A great company overall; HR needs improvement - Lab Chemist (La Porte Research and Technology Center) TotalEnergies Employee Review

4.0
May 23, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The Research and Technology center overall is a good place to work. There are opportunities to advance your career, especially if you have a master's degree or higher. I have learned a lot working here, and think it's a great way to start a career in Gas and Oil. They provide training opportunities as well. Also, the benefits package and 401k contribution is pretty good. They have a strong safety record and safety programs that are enforced very well.

Cons

Management is run differently at the Research and Technology Center than at the corporate site. I think our managers here are very good at what they do; however, the manager of human resources needs to change. She is not very professional or progressive when it comes to a research center, and employees below the supervisor level get the impression that she sees us as children that need micromanaging. We did have a different head of HR for about two years and the difference was very apparent. He was professional, and in being so gave everyone else the feeling of professionalism. A favorite saying around here is "the beatings will stop once morale improves." Management always says that they are willing to listen to the employee, and have even held meetings and such to do so. Though I have yet to see the results or outcomes of these meetings. Bonuses and raises can be very hit or miss, depending heavily on how the company is doing, and even how your department is doing that year. Some years the bonus was a few hundred dollars; this year it was a couple thousand. And as a rule, no Christmas bonuses.

Explore other reviews about TotalEnergies

5.0
Jan 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work culture and decent pay. Overall a great place to work.

Cons

I don’t have any cons honestly

1.0
Jun 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Hybrid work option and free parking.

Cons

As a contractor, the expectations were extremely high while the benefits, recognition, and job security were significantly lower compared to full-time employees. Contractors were often expected to handle multiple responsibilities due to constant pressure from upper management to reduce headcount, creating a stressful and draining work environment. Despite proving your value through consistent performance over years, contractors still seemed overlooked for growth opportunities. In some cases, employees with only a few months of tenure were promoted into full-time roles, while experienced contractors were passed over. There was also a noticeable amount of workplace politics, and at times the culture did not feel fully inclusive or supportive. Compensation was decent, but overall work-life balance, contractor treatment, and career progression opportunities need major improvement

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