Good place to work - Anonymous employee Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Oct 15, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech operates under a Class A structured environment. All work is planned and as predictable for the most part. Great benefits, at least when I worked there. Employees were respected by upper management, pre-Roche that is. Organized work environment, and better than average accountability.

Cons

Loss of an incredible culture with Roche takeover, the dollar rules now. Roche minimizes head count in the interest of saving nickels, while working current staff into the ground. They are more apt to hire people with no experience to save initial money, and hurt the process and tax the hard working people even more.

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Genentech Response
8y
Thank you for your review. Since we were founded in 1976, our culture has been a pivotal part of our DNA and will always be. Although some changes have occurred, such as our merger with Roche, we don't forget where we began and hold our traditions near and dear, like our annual Genentech Gives Back Week and Genentech Goes to Town events. That being said, we understand that part of any merger involves groups coming together, which often times involves learning new perspectives, collaborating with different stakeholders, and adapting to a global landscape. Regardless, our commitment to science, patients, and people remains the same. Thank you for writing us a review!

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Jul 8, 2026
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Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

3.0
May 7, 2026
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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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