Cult like culture with little room for change - Associate Director Johnson & Johnson Employee Review

3.0
Sep 17, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Better parental leave policy than most pharma companies. Pay upon hiring is good.

Cons

Promotions & competition for roles dependent on time in J&J & who you know vs actual ability or potential to do job. Everyone touts years within J&J as a measurement of experience at beginning of every intro to isolate out new employees. What you’ve done outside doesn’t count towards your qualifications. Connected & networked employees spend 18 months in a role just enough to make superficial accomplishments then leave for next position/promotions. Meanwhile employees focused on actually doing the work or those who recently joined thinking they’ll have career advancement will struggle to get next position. It’s not fair hiring practices and you don’t stand a chance if you just apply to open roles. Don’t come thinking you’ll be able to move up after joining. Your merits don’t matter here it’s who you know and as a newbie you won’t know as many people.

Explore other reviews about Johnson & Johnson

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great team and environment to learn

Cons

Long hours and competitive. Overall just make sure you are committed.

3.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is a good work life balance.

Cons

- bureaucracy, everything take longer than needs to - culture is "J&J nice," precludes discussing difficult problems blocking progress - hostile to people with autism or others with neurodivergence - diversity is poor, if you are black you very likely not feel "seen" - higher penalties for women being assertive than men - will engage in constructive discharge to get rid of people perceived as difficult to work with - The ratings for employees are on a curve, if you are in a strong team, higher ratings are hard won, not everyone can be exceptional, even if they meet the J&J definition of exceptional. - Feedback is vague, not specific, actionable or helpful. Some manager are good coaches, but they are exceptions. - If you get a moderate rating you are in danger of being laid off. - In the Bay Area, pay is not competitive. HR has data saying otherwise, but I assure you, it is incorrect. Odds are, you will take a pay cut to join.

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