Bad leadership, declining culture, no work-life balance - Anonymous employee Otsuka Employee Review

1.0
Mar 24, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good benefits, competitive salaries, strong 401(k) match. PTO used to be generous before it was changed to "unlimited".

Cons

After significant leadership changes, the culture declined sharply. Employees are afraid to speak up because of retaliation. HR fails to protect employees. The culture shifted to the culture of fear and mistrust. The shift to “unlimited PTO” significantly worsened work-life balance. Time off depends heavily on manager approval, often discouraged even when requested far in advance, and unused time cannot be banked. Many employees experienced this change as negative despite how it was presented. A common theme shared by many who have left is poor leadership, no work-life balance, and expectations to be available 24/7 with little recognition. There is as clear gap between stated values and actual reality.

Explore other reviews about Otsuka

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Highly collaborative environment with intelligent colleagues. Senior Leadership are supportive and encourage ownership.

Cons

There are a lot of meetings, some of which can feel redundant.

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've been a full-time employee for about three months after converting to an FTE role, and I don't regret the decision one bit. The company culture is outstanding, and it's clear that leadership genuinely cares about the success and development of its employees. There are plenty of opportunities for learning, growth, and career advancement. The people are supportive, collaborative, and invested in helping one another succeed. It's a place where you feel valued and encouraged to do your best work.

Cons

The company has been somewhat slower than some competitors in embracing AI and driving AI-related innovation, although meaningful progress is being made. Change can also take time, particularly among more tenured employees who are accustomed to established ways of working. That said, the growing mix of experienced employees and newer talent is helping accelerate positive change and bring fresh perspectives.

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