Disconnected Management and Ignored Feedback: The Decline of Genentech's Once-Proud Culture - Research Scientist Genentech Employee Review

1.0
Apr 4, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice cafeteria, the people there are friendly

Cons

Working life at Genentech has proved to be one of my worst career disappointments. Upon my entry into the company, I had anticipated an innovative and people-oriented environment with a strong focus on science. However, the truth could not be farther from what I had imagined. Senior leadership in this place is surprisingly out of touch with what's really going on on the ground. There's an ongoing reluctance to listen or even take seriously employees' input, with it being apparent that they really don't care about the issues or welfare of the staff. Regardless of repeated efforts on the part of teams to speak out against problems, management will ignore input to the point of inexorable status quo. Morale has hit an all-time low because it's like screaming into the void. Management decisions are becoming more and more misguided and taking the company down paths that overlook and undermine our key strengths. This failure to lead and to address constructively the criticisms from within is causing damage to our innovation and to retaining employees. It is heartbreaking to see an institution with this much potential and legacy derailed by inefficient, risk-averse leadership. When you want to work in an environment in which your contributions are valued and management does listen, Genentech is no longer such an institution

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.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

2
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