GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Reviews

Pros

Very clear strategy; Many possibilities to move around and see different part of the business; Senior management is very well regarded; Very ethical; Employees are respected and treated fairly; Colleagues are nice, friendly and approachable

Cons

Slow decision-making; Too big and bureaucratic at times; Can be very political at the centre/corporate level; Although GSK is a big multi-national, it is still very UK and US centric: management is trying to bring in more talent in and from Emerging markets.

Advice to Senior Management

Continue efforts on development and communication; promote based on performance and merit

Pros

thorough training, health benefits, 401k

Cons

bonus structure and lack of incentives

Advice to Senior Management

some district managers need to have more empathy

Pros

The benefits were excellent. Training was excellent

Cons

Unfair favortism. Paid base below market value

Advice to Senior Management

no micro managing

Pros

Great benefits from medical to retirement planning

Cons

Being treated like a child

Advice to Senior Management

Consider better HR strategies to engage and advance talented employees

Pros

great opportunity for personal growth, very good products, great team. strong emphasis on ethical promotion and drive to lead example to change unfavorable image of pharma industry

Cons

excessive bureaucracy - too many processes and regulations,

Pros

At GSK I was offered many opportunities to learn and grow as a scientist. Requests were often met with opportunity. I would work there again for sure!`

Cons

As you will have with a large pharma company you are at the mercy of the politics. If you can look past it all and get the job done, you will succeed here.

Pros

GSK has a great Work Life Balance
The Salary at GSK is competitive
Benefits are great
Gym is nice
The drug pipeline is full of new and great things

Cons

Stability, working with alot of contractors
Review process could be better
Lay offs are frequent in some departments
Large groups, you can feel lost at times
Less departmental awards and more individuals

Pros

I love the culture in GSK

Cons

Not enough time to settle in a change and reap the benefits of the change

Advice to Senior Management

Need to review performance measurement and review of some the change projects in terms of the real value to the bottom line

Pros

The opportunities for training and promotion over the years have been broad. For the most part, the product portfolio has been rich and plentiful. Having a well resourced company to back your sales efforts in the field is very important. GSK has many valuable resources that it shares with the employees. The compensation plan is second to none. The benefit package is first class and will support you and your family throughout your career and beyond.

Cons

Because of the sheer size, the individual territory can become lost and misrepresented. When change is implemented it is top down with little input from those that will be most affected. The patent cliff and the putting up with the reluctance of the FDA to make new product approvals has stymied growth. That has led to fewer promotional opportunities and advancement. Representatives not challenged to sell, but to increase perceived customer value and do well on corporate exams, while managers are challenged to meet the corporate sales objectives and to not harass sales performance from representatives.

Advice to Senior Management

Re-define the definition and role of the sales representative to that of a public relations rep and just pay salary and not bonus. A true sales job requires one to meet sales goals and objectives in order to receive additional compensation (bonus). Since representatives are not tied to sales, they should just receive a salary for their public relations and test taking efforts. A new senior leadership with positive vision and integrity would be a helpful start in creating a more uplifting workplace.

Pros

Fantastic benefits, needs to follow through on process improvement

Cons

The pipeline seem to be shrinking

Advice to Senior Management

More openness