Still good but not the same - Systems Specialist Genentech Employee Review

3.0
Sep 10, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Medical, Dental are good. People are friendly Nice campus Good Commute options like Genenbus but poor vanpool support.

Cons

Roche acquisition has damaged the company to a point of no return. Management is poor. Compensation not competative. Hard to get promoted. Senior employees and scientists are leaving the company. Roche stifles creativity and independent thinking. Mistakes are not considered opportunities to grow and learn. Empolyees not promoted from within. Mangers often do not know the job/work which leads to wrong decision making. There is a new environment of hierarchy, ie decisions are top down, there is a new attitude that degrees mean more than on the job experience.

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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