Genentech Reviews

Pros

-casusal work enviroment
-cheap food in the cafeteria

Cons

-contractors are treated like 2nd class citizens

Pros

great campus
good overall compensation package
lots of talented people
coworker are friendly and eager to help
recognize employee's hard work and accomplishment

Cons

too many contractors and business knowledge lost due to turnover
lack of career growth
no work life balance; departments dependent

Advice to Senior Management

sincerely listen to the voice of your employees
less politics
less contractors and hire competent people to retain talented employees

Pros

The pure culture of Genentech as seen in some of the older groups in San Francisco was great. People wiling to work and have fun at the same time

Cons

The culture is not the same throughout the organization as some groups don't have enough Genentech/Roche people to bring perspective to the groups. Lots of Merck people, with some bringing the union attitude to the organization and lots of politics which is not Genentech and was left unchecked by management and HR.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep the spirit of the Genentech and Roche culture which values people and act quicker on problem managers and leaders in the organization. Decide when to act on HR indicators and make it ok to speak up without it being a problem.

Pros

Work/Life Balance is promoted within the workplace

Cons

Becoming big "pharma"
Beginning to lose its culture

Advice to Senior Management

Listen to your employees as they are feeling that the company has lost its identity.

Pros

Work life balance is great.

Cons

There are too many managerial layers.

Advice to Senior Management

Know the people 2 levels below you.

Pros

Great pay, lots of free food, offers ample opportunity for training, strong name to have on a resume.

Cons

Too much distinction between "green badges" (contingent workers) and "blue badges" (full time employees). Everyone does the same quality of work if you hire professionals. The distinction was too distracting, isolating and alienating many people.

Advice to Senior Management

Contingent workforce was treated like disposable resources. One minute they're in and the next they are out when resources were invested in them. Hire good people as fte's and invest in them. Hire less contingent workers.

Pros

It is the NASA of Biotechs, great place to work and network. Salaries are cometitive, and the they care about the employee.

Cons

Some of the employees think they are all mighty

Pros

Good culture
Good campus
Meaningful work
Opportunity for growth

Cons

A lot of people doing the bare minimum to get by
Middle Management

Pros

Great benefits and compensation is good. However, some benefits are starting to erode due to cost cutting measures.

Cons

Too many initiatives that have made normal work practices daunting. Individual contributors have more responsibilities than ever yet resources are not available to assist. Currently downsizing due to business reasons.

Pros

big company feel, known name

Cons

After the Roche purchase the culture and company has changed.