Working environment was great, now ok - Anonymous employee Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Sep 14, 2010
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company is solid and has a great reputation. I feel that management is open and willing to listen to advice and comments from employees. The workload is manageable and work-life balance is preserved.

Cons

Processes and operating procedures are constantly in flux and have been since the Roche buyout. The company is unfortunately moving away from its entrepreneurial roots and more toward the embracing of a stodgy pharma mentality. This is really hurting employee morale, and many senior people have left the company.

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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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