SLB reviews

3.9

74% would recommend to a friend

(11,628 total reviews)
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Olivier Le Peuch

84% approve of CEO

60% positive business outlook

SLB has an employee rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 11,628 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The SLB employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Energy, Mining & Utilities industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

12K reviews
1.0
Aug 17, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Work in a scientific field that is more rewarding than just improving API speed or designing button shape

Cons

- Cutthroat management will suddenly tell you that you're underperforming and that "meeting expectations" two years in a row is qualification for getting a PIP or being fired without severence

3.0
Apr 10, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Rigorous Field Engineer Training (If You Survive It) Early-career engineers gain hands-on technical experience under high-pressure conditions, valuable for building resilience and operational skills. But this is a double-edged sword: the "trial by fire" approach often prioritizes short-term results over sustainable growth. Exposure to Diverse Teams (A Silver Lining) Working across cultures and geographies is a rare advantage, fostering adaptability and global problem-solving. However, this benefit is despite SLB’s culture, not because of it, colleagues often bond over shared struggles rather than company support.

Cons

After over 12 years with SLB (formerly Schlumberger) across multiple assignments, I can confidently say that professional development here is severely limited. While you may gain strong technical skills and even perform the work of multiple people, advancement is not based on merit. Unless you have a godparent (a high-level sponsor) or a personal connection to someone influential, hard work alone will rarely earn you a promotion. Management and HR view employees as disposable assets, not as human beings with aspirations. There is little genuine concern for personal or professional growth—only the expectation that you endure an exploitative system. Despite the company’s attempt to rebrand itself as a forward-thinking tech firm, the reality is far from it. Millions were wasted on superficial changes (like corporate colors and marketing illusions) rather than investing in people—developing talent, modernizing leadership, or hiring younger professionals with fresh perspectives. This top-down negligence reflects in every layer of the organization. I stayed as long as I did out of fear—fear of not finding another job, fear of instability. Ironically, SLB’s reputation as a grueling workplace did have one unintended benefit: surviving here forced resilience, adaptability, and strength. Some employers recognize that enduring such a toxic environment demonstrates rare perseverance. But staying should not be about survival—it should be about growth. Now that I’m transitioning to a new company, I finally feel valued. My advice? Look elsewhere. Seek organizations where reviews highlight empathetic management, HR with humanity, and real opportunities to advance. SLB is not that place—and after over a decade, I can assure you: loyalty to them will cost you more than it’s worth.

4.0
Apr 2, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Availability to advance, schooling and training is above average in the industry. SLB is committed to a competent and safe environment and show that through the mandatory and comprehensive training. Most training is self-paced and requires time and discipline to complete it quickly to advance. Pay is above average and is tracked very well. The environment although safe, is fast paced and requires attention to detail every day. Management is fair, competent, and knowledgeable. Overall, I enjoyed my time at SLB.

Cons

Depending on what the business is doing, it can be very demanding work. Although consistency is the goal, you may spend some time doing long hours to meet customer needs. Some processes may take longer than expected due to the size of the company, but you will find resolution.

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Glassdoor has 15,082 SLB reviews submitted anonymously by SLB employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if SLB is right for you.