Great people, bad culture - Engineer Genentech Employee Review

2.0
May 25, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Genentech makes a great effort of hiring smart and capable people, so most of your co-workers are great to work with -Nice campus and amenities -Okay salary

Cons

Basically everything related to culture. -Maybe you'll have a team outing twice a year if that, no sense of community within departments -One manager for a lot of employees so barely any time to discuss career opportunities, feels like very limited interaction with manager -Promotion structure is terrible if you're entry-mid level and only happens in infrequent cycles (once-twice a year max). So many hoops to jump through to get promoted, but they're more than happy to bring in external hires above you that you'll end up training. -Management is out of touch with their employees experience despite receiving feedback -High contractor turnover so always dealing with people "getting up to speed"

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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