Worst Company I have ever worked at. - Commissioning Editor Elsevier Employee Review

1.0
Apr 11, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They tend to overpay people, because it's the only way they can convince good candidates to join

Cons

Honestly, the worst place I have ever worked. I was warned not to join, by colleagues (Elsevier have a terrible reputation within the industry) when I was head hunted, but the financial package was very attractive, so I gave it a try. Regretted my decision within days of joining. The management is incompetent, self serving, aggressive, and bullying. Everything you do is micro-managed. It's very cliquey. The only reason I stayed 12 months is because I didn't want it to reflect poorly on my CV. I actually ended up resigning, with no other job to go to, because it was that bad. And during my time there, 3 other people in the department did exactly the same thing - just quit. The final straw for me was when I caught Coronavirus in late January (before anyone knew what it was). I asked the management from being excused from a business trip to London, because I was having respiratory problems. Instead they told me the trip was a core part of my job and I would be disciplined if I didn't go.........So I just quit, instead. They will tempt you in with a great job offer, but just remember that they have a terrible reputation for a reason. I'd say 50% of new starters don't last 12 months

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Elsevier Response
6y
Thank you for your review. Frankly, we are mortified by this review. This is not the experience that we want any of our former or current employees to have. Be rest assured that we take your review seriously and we have been investigating it. Elsevier has done a terrific job of supporting our employees, potential candidates, customers, partners and everyone during the coronavirus pandemic - - https://www.elsevier.com/about/careers/supporting-employees-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic - https://blog-content.glassdoor.com/site-uk/elsevier-covid-19/ - https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center - https://www.elsevier.com/about/careers/supporting-employees-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic We asked all our employees to work remotely even before the lockdown and all our business travels were cancelled. We are incredibly proud of the work we're doing globally as an organization to continue building an environment that is healthy, supportive, nurturing and inclusive for all employees. We would appreciate it if you can help us get to the bottom of the issues you raised for various reasons. Unfortunately, the job title you used does not exist and we can’t think of a group within our Oxford office who use the title “commissioning editor”. Besides, for our editorial roles, turnover is low. So, we would like more clarity regarding the review. May I ask that you contact us anonymously at elseviergdrev@elsevier.com if you wish to discuss things further? Again, thanks for your review.

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5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
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Pros

Industry leader Great benefits Incentive trips Invests heavily in its employees

Cons

Processes can be burdensome and clunky at times

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Elsevier Response
2w
Thank you for this balanced and thoughtful review. We're glad to hear that our benefits and investment in people are making a positive impact, those are commitments we take seriously. On the process feedback: Leadership is actively reviewing operational workflows, and the advice to listen more closely to employee feedback is something we're holding ourselves accountable to. If you're open to it, we'd encourage you to bring specific examples forward through your team or people and culture contacts. Change is most effective when it's grounded in the real experiences of the people doing the work, and that means you. Feel free to reach out to us at elseviergdrev@elsevier.com to provide more information Thank you for staying engaged and for caring enough to share this. It matters.
3.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company’s mission is inspiring.

Cons

Poor executive decision making, lack of clear strategic vision.

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