35
eNPS Score
Q&A With Genentech Employees
From the beginning, Genentech has been a team of highly dedicated, passionate individuals. We pride ourselves on a culture of openness, integrity, and creativity. Learn more about what we do, and maybe even join our team.
How employees describe working at Genentech
quality of the medicine provided
Great environment, work ethic, teams values and benefits
Great place to work, good benefits
Healthcare benefit is quite fair
Faster decisions and letting the direct manager make decisions.
Review from IT Dept
What it's like to work at Genentech
- Genentech employees generally work 8.9 hrs a day
- Employees at Genentech report the work pace is comfortably fast
- On a typical day, employees at Genentech have 2 meetings
- 87% of Genentech employees look forward to interacting with their team every day
- Genentech employees most often take 15-20 paid vacation and sick days each year
- 60% of Genentech employees report they are happy with their work life balance
- Genentech employees typically get valuable feedback on how to improve at work Once a month
- 81% of Genentech employees call their work environment positive
Q&A With Genentech Employees
IDX: 0 TOT: 69
How's the work life balance at Genentech?
Top Employee Response
Much better than a lot of other tech places.
Wonderful.
Once I clock out I stop thinking about work
What benefits does Genentech provide?
Top Employee Response
401K matching, 6 weeks sabbatical, huge gym, free bus, concert, many social events
Gym, commuter, sleeping pod.
Medical, insurance, sabbatical every 6 years, pet insurance, discounts on Roche meds (if you or anyone on your insurance takes them)
What's the company culture like at Genentech?
Top Employee Response
Relaxed atmosphere high school mentality
I haven't been able to define it but so far it's accepting.
Currently it’s about the “Agile” perspective. It’s now about you being agile; it’s about Roche. The company has become hierarchical over the past 5 years. To many Indian chiefs without a single decision maker. Everything is being evaluated. With that said, it’s what you make it
How do I do well in an interview at Genentech?
Don't admit any past mistakes, no matter how trivial. Don't come across as a "strong personality".
Expect multiple enterviews and panel interviews. They are behavioral based and you’re expected to respond in a SMART method
Need a strong technical foundation. Need to be a culture fit.
How long do the interviews usually take at Genentech?
A week is typical with interviews schedules each day including panels.
Generally start with a phone screen by HR, then a call with the hiring manager, then full day onsite of interviews.
Weeks
How much diversity is there among employees at Genentech?
When it comes to gender, ethnic, identity diversity, Genentech is outstanding. But, all of these people come from the same 3-4 places, so there isn't much real diversity in thinking.
Extreme
Genentech embraced employee diversity and viewed it as a goal and priority among our employees.
How common is it to switch departments or teams at Genentech?
Moderately common? Depends on needs; sometimes specialties don't allow for it, though it can and does happen.
It's not common and it's very difficult
Not the norm, but there are multiple instances of people switching departments as well as teams
What is the best advice you could give someone during their first month at Genentech?
Find a good Admin and get as much information as possible. Find solid people who are at a similar level, as well as a couple steps above and below, and get as mush information as possible. It's a large campus, so use the maps to try and familiarize yourself with the different buildings and what department is where. Find all the walking pathways so can do assessments of whether you will be faster on a shuttle or walking.
Don’t trust anybody
What is Genentech's policy towards pets in the workplace?
Depends on the department... there are a few on campus, but the research areas it would violate regulatory regulations as well as potentially be unsafe
No pets allowed
How flexible is your work schedule at Genentech?
As an Admin - it's not. You are expected to be onsite every day; some departments offer some flexibility, however that is quite slim w/ Admins.
The home office hours are 8-5. I usually work past that at work or home. Being agile means smaller numbers expected to get the job done (just enough )
What's the work from home policy like at Genentech?
Depends on the department - if you are an Admin or someone who works heavily in the labs, it's just not possible.
It depends on what’s going on and your manager. In commercial it varies from never to Friday’s weekly.
What's the internship program like at Genentech?
Rather robust. Though HR will actively try to only bring on "pretty" people; if you aren't super attractive, they will bury your resume.
Commercial Candidates are selected from top Ivy League schools only. They get jobs given to them that last 18 months and then they’re promoted to other positions as a preferential candidate. If you’re not from a top school you may be able to enter the operations side.
How would you describe your overall experience interviewing at Genentech?
Grueling but great.
Positive and enlightening
What questions do they ask during the interview process at Genentech?
Highly technical questions relevant to the position, and then behavioral questions
Too many to list. Mostly situational questions.
Who did you meet with during your interview? And how long did it take to hear back from Genentech?
Department heads, people would directly and indirectly support. Genentech generally ghosts, instead of giving any response.
I met with reps, managers and VP’s. I hear back in three days.
What should I wear for an interview at Genentech?
Slacks/skirt and a nice blouse... don't need to go full suit, but nicer than leggings and a t-shirt.
Professional clothing.
What was the most difficult question that was asked during your interview at Genentech?
Had to do with time zones; was challenging because of time zones for different countries can be complicated when not looking at a chart or the like.
There were so many!
How would you compare interviewing at Genentech to other places you've interviewed?
Medium. Wasn't the worst, but can tell it's still a boys' club and Admins are seen as slightly better than status symbols.
Difficult. In depth. But so worth it when you get hired.
What are some of the best things about your team at Genentech?
Top Employee Response
The passion to work for patients
less chit-chat
What kind of people does Genentech like to hire?
Smart, friendly, presentable people.
How can I get hired at Genentech as a recent grad?
Knowing the right people or getting an internship.
Do interns get drug tested?
Not sure but most likely.
What is the dress code at Genentech?
Depends on your department but I've seen business to casual
How do you feel about Genentech's future?
It was purchased by Roche, so it will be around for awhile. If this were 20 years ago and more options in companies, they would be dead.
How's the work pace at Genentech?
Frenetic - there's regularly more work than people to do it
Curious about what work's like at Genentech?
Anonymously Ask Genentech Employees Any Question
Should I work at Genentech?
57% of Genentech employees would encourage their friends to become coworkers, whereas 21% are neutral and 22% would not recommend working at Genentech to their friends.
| 57% | Promoters |
|---|---|
| 21% | Passive |
| 22% | Detractors |
