Just a hired hand - Senior Scientist Novartis Employee Review

2.0
May 2, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

pride in company products and goals good benefits 6% match on 401(k) up to $1K given for dependent care beautiful campus

Cons

- Raise/review are decided on before feedback is given. It is done on a curve, with 10% of the population forced into receiving no raise and lower bonus. HR will not confirm/deny this, of course. - Typically worked more than 40 hours a week, received no overtime pay or additional time off, even though they say flextime is one of their benefits. -No work/life benefits realized. It's offered on paper only. People in R&D work well over 60 hours a week for up to a 3% raise, if you're one of the lucky 10% in the top tier. Like I said, the raise thing is based on a curve. So, for an extra 3% in your pay, you have to put in an extra 10 hours a week, give up your vacation time, and hope that management likes you. -Management is incompetent, stays behind a desk, doesn't know the work people under him do (since it's a flatter organization), and doesn't listen to the advice of others. It takes years for a manager to be kicked out of management and put into a different role. (you'd figure they would fire him instead.) -People aren't valued, even though they list that as one the company values.

Explore other reviews about Novartis

5.0
May 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

people are friendly and easy to work with

Cons

daily commute takes longer than expected

2.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good Products to represent and many opportunities for advancement

Cons

Poor culture, Poor Leadership. Restructuring every year or two.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All