employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Engaged Employer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory reviews

4.0

71% would recommend to a friend

(318 total reviews)

John Sarrao

71% approve of CEO

68% positive business outlook

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has an employee rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, based on 318 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government & Public Administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

318 reviews
1.0
Feb 26, 2014

Unethical practices embedded in culture

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Prestige of Stanford University, benefits are Stanford good

Cons

The Office of the CIO has systemic issues that include unethical practices as part of the norm and culture. Loyalty is expected and is part of the OCIO Vision/Mission statement. There is an inner circle of management that is isolated from any form of responsibility. Cronyism and favoritism are fueled by gossip, creating a cut-throat environment - fostered by the CIO - who believes those in his inner circle over all others. Employees who try to bring issues forward are retaliated against up to and including dismissal. Morale is at an all time low. There is no accountability. A long term issue with a senior manager who sexually harassed others was pardoned and several of the victim employees were let go - others were retaliated against for bringing the issue forward. HR did the usual - placate senior management with a haphazard "investigation" exonerating the accused - all a farce and severe injustice to the victims involved. Deliverable deadlines are missed and projects/programs flailing under poor management. Senior leadership is incompetent and with the "Us versus Them" mentality reminiscent of emotional immaturity of middle school with perpetual gossiping and character assassination attacks. The OCIO management style is classic crisis mode management - everything is a crisis! Those closest to the CIO feed on his demand for personal assistants at his beck and call. Those who are loyal and serve the ego are rewarded with preferential treatment while some long standing members of staff with a history for meeting deliverables and being effective are ousted and not included in the inner circle of trust. This is by far the most dysfunctional work environment I have ever worked in. Don't take one person's word for it - read the reviews - there are many with similar complaints. What does it take?

4.0
Feb 10, 2014

Great stuff ahead

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Inspired by the people and science all around. Really impressed that the Lab is taking on LCLS2 - huge project.

Cons

Some groups have a culture that is resistant to change. Wake up and smell silicon valley!

4.0
Feb 6, 2014

Positive Outlook

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are many extremely bright, talented and dedicated individuals at SLAC from the bottom up. Except for some pockets, most people go out of their way to help each other, and together they are able to accomplish really outstanding science, technology advances, and research support.

Cons

As with any large and diverse organization, there are some areas (mostly in the support functions like HR) where policies are more bureaucratic and draconian. In a matrix structure, people easily lose direct connection with the mission and goals they support, like a nameless hired-hand or an easily replaced cog in a large machine.

Viewing 274 - 276 of 318 Reviews

Glassdoor has 405 SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory reviews submitted anonymously by SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is right for you.