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
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

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.

3
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