Cengage reviews

2.9

31% would recommend to a friend

(2,401 total reviews)
avatar

Michael Hansen

39% approve of CEO

24% positive business outlook

Cengage has an employee rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on 2,401 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Cengage employee rating is 22% below average for employers within the Media & Communication industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

2K reviews
4.0
Sep 4, 2025

Solid

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good team, solid mission, decent benefits

Cons

Over-processed workflows, disorganization, random layoffs

2.0
Sep 3, 2025

Sinking ship

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people, great technology and great ideas. Decent benefits

Cons

Constant restructuring and layoffs are stressful and bad for morale. Everything is going offshore to vendors, and we all know there are more layoffs coming. Women and people of color in technology management or meaningful positions have all been let go.

2.0
Sep 2, 2025

Decline via Venture Capitalism

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Average work/life balance and benefits. Some employees still care. The overall mission of Cengage is strong and there are some true believers still working for the company.

Cons

Cengage is now ruled by a huge investment from a venture capitalist. It has caused massive layoffs and outsourcing with no signs of stopping. Investment is driven by the venture capitalist firm on their terms. The only way to scale up is to use their chosen offshore vendor and technology. No creativity from employees is encouraged or welcome. If it doesn't have AI in the idea, it will be ignored. The CEO abandoned all DEI policies and made refused to own the decision forcing others to take the blame.

avatar
Cengage Response
9mo
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and for your more than five years of contributions at Cengage Group. As a for-profit company, we must evolve in ways that help us better serve customers, remain competitive, and manage costs responsibly. We also have an obligation to our shareholders to optimize results — just as most retirement and 401(k) funds invest in companies like ours with the expectation of sustainable returns. Balancing the needs of customers, employees, and shareholders is essential for our long-term health. We recognize that change can be difficult and that valued colleagues have been impacted. While we do leverage global talent, we are committed to doing so thoughtfully, with a focus on preserving expertise and continuity. At the same time, we continue to encourage creativity through our investment committee model, which allows employees across the organization to bring forward and fund new ideas — whether AI-related or otherwise. Finally, we emphasize inclusion and belonging hand in hand with a merit-based culture. As our Credo states, we are responsible to and for each other. Our Employee Resource Groups remain vital to fostering this culture, and we are committed to supporting them as we move forward together. — Michael Hansen, CEO
Viewing 85 - 87 of 2,401 Reviews

Glassdoor has 2,599 Cengage reviews submitted anonymously by Cengage employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Cengage is right for you.