If I could I would give negative stars - Analytical Chemist Alkemist Labs Employee Review

1.0
9 Sept 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great working hours Lots of holidays Inclusive Good PTO Free snacks/food Parties CEO knows everyone’s name which I think is cool You get a desk Some nice people

Cons

-Cry at work everyday -made to feel like you and your work is not good enough - individuals who are unapproachable, unprofessional and rude are in positions of power -Don’t care if you are working in inhuman conditions: i.e forced to work through lunch (while clocked out), no time to take bathroom breaks, forced to chug water so you don’t die once work is over, and no breaks at all most days. All this is done to finish your work load and then it’s told that’s your fault and not an excuse for being unhappy -no problem resolution when conflict arises -employees afraid to ask for help because they will be met with no help and dismissed or will be talked down to -no training, basically forced to train yourself (not an excuse to have a hard time at work) -can’t ask too many questions or it’s seen as a disturbance -expected to be at an insane level or proficiency without being given the proper skills to succeed Overall very unpleasant experience. Very high turn over rate for a reason.

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Alkemist Labs Response
3y
Dear Former Alkemite, First, thank you for the data in the Pros section. I do try hard to know everyone’s name. I know I like it when the boss knows me… In fact, I recall the surprise on your face each morning when I walked by your desk and said ‘good morning J#####n!’… I do regret not connecting with you more since perhaps you could have thrived instead of the exit you took. I’d like to thank you for the rest of the review but can’t since it's peppered with falsehoods and inaccuracies… Cry at work every day? I am sorry to learn that. Alkemist is a high-paced, high-thinking analytical lab, and sometimes it's too much for some who are not ready for that. I am glad you self-selected out so you can find something more at your pace and be happy. I am sorry you experienced my management team as unapproachable and unprofessional. Know that we tried. We met several times to talk about your work, opportunities to improve, and the like. We will take this data and make changes according. You shared: “Don’t care if you are working in inhuman conditions: i.e forced to work through lunch (while clocked out), no time to take bathroom breaks, forced to chug water so you don’t die once work is over, and no breaks at all most days.” We follow all federal and state employment laws TO THE T… That said I am aware of one occasion where you were on a call with tech support and had to take your lunch later. One occasion does not describe conditions and we are grateful you were flexible. Inhumane??? Alkemist Labs is spacious and beyond humane. We invested a ton of money to make it so. You and I both know that no one has ever asked you to not take breaks and we expect our staff to know when to take bathroom breaks on their own as needed. You shared: “All this is done to finish your workload and then it’s told that’s your fault and not an excuse for being unhappy -no problem resolution when conflict arises -employees afraid to ask for help because they will be met with no help and dismissed or will be talked down to -no training, basically forced to train yourself (not an excuse to have a hard time at work) -can’t ask too many questions or it’s seen as a disturbance -expected to be at an insane level or proficiency without being given the proper skills to succeed” As I mentioned earlier, Alkemist Labs is a high pace, high-thinking analytical lab. It is stressful at times. I will give you that. Some people come and go quickly while others stay for 15 years… No training? We have records of your training called training records… lol You signed them… We expect a high level of proficiency especially when you share in the interview that you have experience with the instrumentation BUT when it was ‘game day’ we find that you grossly misrepresented yourself. And so you required more training which we gave you. Thank you for the advice to Management. Here is some advice for you: When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day Just go to the mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to say. For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass. He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest For he’s with you, clear to the end And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test If the man in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you’ve cheated the man in the glass. Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.

Explore other reviews about Alkemist Labs

5.0
12 Dec 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good work life balance and community

Cons

high amount of work flow

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Alkemist Labs Response
5mo
Hey! Thanks for this feedback! Regarding the high amount of workflow, would you recommend a particular role that seems understaffed or can use help so the workflow isn't too high? Thanks!
5.0
4 Feb 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The owners' (Elan & Sid) core values' are strongly reflected in how Alkemist Labs feels and operates. Reciprocity and work-life balance are two of the key core values that will resonate with the masses. Comprehensive employee benefits, rec style employee break area, kitchen fully stocked with snacks, fruits, coffee & tea, indoor gym to burn off the snacks, a nap/mother's room, occasional complimentary massage therapy visits, are examples of the thoughtfulness the owners put into the employee experience. For me, the integrity that the owners exude are what separate Alkemist from other labs. They've made it their personal mission to help clean-up the industry that can use policing, This value is communicated down to all employees; so for anyone who cares to make a difference, and not just collecting paychecks, here you'll feel like you're working for the greater good in helping ensure the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements. Having worked at other labs, and hearing feedback from colleagues who have worked at the conglomerate cookie cutter lab (don't wanna name names, but it rhymes with Schmurofins). I'm very grateful to be a part of the Alkemist team.

Cons

I'm aware that starting pay for entry level positions do feel a bit low, although it is on par with industry standards. Like most good things, I'd advise you stick with it, and grow within the company. Aside from gaining valuable experience, if you show good skill, good attitude and eagerness, you can make big strides within a couple of years. Separately, I'm sure I've gained weight due to the unending availability of snacks, I guess that's another way of growing within the company. :-/

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Alkemist Labs Response
7mo
Thanks for the info. I appreciate you taking the time to share all this. If we had a portable basketball court for the parking lot, where should I put it? We'd have to lock it up... BUT it could just take one parking spot, right? Im game... (See what I did there?)...
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