Great potential but lack of accountability presents major problems - Anonymous Genentech Employee Review

2.0
Mar 29, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Resources, location, good people in the trenches, generally science-driven and research-oriented, good intentions of some of the leadership, some are trying to fix things, it's difficult to be fired here (but this is also a con)

Cons

Many other people's reviews ring true. There is a problem with lack of accountability for ineffective leadership and ineffective management. Part of the problem is with leadership itself, so there's no use voicing this to leadership. Problems are inconsistency and lack of respect for employees, coupled with lack of honesty. A lack of accountability and repercussions for these behaviors creates a dynamic of mistrust in leadership. It's also extremely hierarchical and if you're not one to play the political games, you'll have a hard time being heard and a hard time getting very far here. Success and promotion depend on who you know, who likes you, and how loudly you promote yourself - not on how hard you work or how much you actually contribute. If you want to put your head down and work hard, you can do that here but do not expect career development or recognition. This is a political place and if you want to develop or be recognized, you must be loud and you must play the politics.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great salary and team! The interview process was smooth and effective.

Cons

To be determined, but so far many alignment meetings. Some folks have frustuations around the re-org and strategy changes.

2.0
Jun 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The work is meaningful and overall the company vision aligns with my goals

Cons

QA management has become inept. None of the leadership (aside from maybe one or two) truly understand the nuances of our site and jobs. They refuse to pay you more due to "budget" reasons but won't provide much information, they claim to be transparent but will make decisions behind your back and not communicate them, even if they impact you and/or your job. Leadership doesn't listen to feedback and gets defensive if you even try to give any. It honestly has become a game of politics only in QA and that's not really building any real quality culture.

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