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: 25 TOT: 69
How's the morale at Genentech?
mediocre to bad, depending on the department
What's the office layout like at Genentech?
Depends on the building
How's the leadership on the Admin team at Genentech?
There's none. There used to be an Admin Panel, but it was dissolved without notice (people showed up and there was a note on the door that it was dissolved).
What Admin department questions did Genentech ask during your job interview?
If there were Admins on the interview panel, they would ask my outlook and how I approach the job; as well as asked questions to test my skill level in different programs. Non-Admins didn't really have any questions, much less had any idea what Admins do.
How helpful was your Admin team when you were first hired at Genentech?
I had one Admin I worked with when I first started who was invaluable; but if it hadn't been for her I wouldn't have known who any Admins were. There is no introduction or any other program to know/meet other Admins, there certainly isn't anything set up for any sort of backup. Most Admins work while sick, on vacation, and on sabbatical. Some have even worked on medical leave and had their reviews "dinged" for being on medical leave.
How does Genentech handle HR issues?
They don't. Admins are harassed are told to "think of 'his' career and reputation", which is clearly more important than anyone's safety or well-being. If someone is at the Sr. Scientist level or above, no matter how abusive they are, they will continue to get promoted with large accolades.
What skills do you need to be successful in the Admin department at Genentech?
Ability to handle a heavy load, potentially without any backup or support. Calendaring and travel arrangements, especially with international, like an expert.
How are layoffs handled in the Admin department at Genentech?
Either not at all or through division wide email blasts eviscerating the Admin who was let go
How are the career growth opportunities on the Admin team at Genentech?
Practically non-existent.
How often do promotions happen at Genentech?
there are annual reviews of people in departments and attempts to grow people; however if you haven't qualified for a promotion in 6 years, you automatically get one after that time
What are the most important soft skills I need to be successful at Genentech?
to be able to put up with a lot of fragile male egos
Is it possible to switch teams at Genentech? If so, what is the process?
Depends on the teams involved; some make it simple, some make it more difficult.
What kinds of community outreach does Genentech participate in?
Tons - Women in Life Sciences, Monthly give back, including employee volunteering
What unique perks and benefits does Genentech provide?
Monthly Ho-Hos are a lot of fun; there's the celebrations for FDA/EMA/etc approvals
What is the hardest interview question Genentech asks?
That's going to depend on the department and interviewer - know of some people who were considered "easy" or "hard" interviewers; so it really depends on who you get. There has been an attempt to be more consistent, and even change the way interviews are done but it hasn't seemed to stick.
What is the onboarding process like at Genentech and how long does it last?
There's an eight hour orientation the first day, then your new manager picks you up and shows you where your desk is. The next day (ideally) you get your laptop/desk setup and it takes ~ a week to be able to access all the basic areas you need. Unfortunately that's about it. Departments have to take it upon themselves to do any orientation or training and most fail at that.
What are company outings like at Genentech?
Every year they are putting less into them
What is the daily attire at Genentech?
Depending on departments also depending on Genentech hired full time employee or contact worker
In your opinion, what are the most common interview questions that Genentech asks?
Why are you applying for this position Tell me about a time you had to have teamwork to get an objective me Tell me about a time you struggled/ had a hard time getting the objective me Tell me about a situation where you were the decision maker where your decision impacted many people.
Does Genentech drug test or do a background check?
Yes they do background checks. I’ve never been drug tested in 15 years
What's the vibe like in the Sales dept at Genentech? How many hours are you working?
50
How's the leadership on the Sales team at Genentech?
Strong and open
What is most positive about the culture and environment at Genentech?
Everybody has a voice
What makes you most happy at Genentech?
Interacting with my co-workers
What is the best part about your compensation package at Genentech?
bonus
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 |
