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Charles River Laboratories

Engaged employer

High Turnover For a Reason - Anonymous employee Charles River Laboratories Employee Review

2.0
8 Feb 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great Vacation time, pay isn't great but fair considering Reno's cost of living, the abundance of biology majors in this college town, and lack of other biotech companies. They could probably get away with paying less so I do give them credit for not short changing their employees.

Cons

The other reviews are spot on about nepotism and the work environment. Most people are trying to get into nursing school or constantly applying to other jobs. As others have said, they are the only biotech company in town so unless you are willing to move out of the area or change fields.... You are stuck here. Layoff happy. If you have a mortgage, a family, or are looking for something long term. This isn't the place for you. Sure the economy is on an upswing now but there will be times again in the future when it will do down. I’ve watched as people who have worked there for almost a decade are let go in layoffs. Terrible work schedule. Have kids? Don't even think about taking this job. Long hours are common and they happen with little or no warning and frequently (at least a couple times a week). I don't see how someone with children could balance this without having a stay at home spouse or an amazing day care that will keep your kids even when they are sick or keep your kids 3 hours later on last minute notice. As others have said, only those in higher positions are treated with respect. A lot of managers don't know what actually occurs in their department. Worse yet, there are managers who don't even know what they are doing. My department had a very, very high turnover rate. I counted, 66% of people in my department have left in the past few years. The remaining 33% are people that replaced them or people who aren't there by choice because they failed at attempts to get out. What those numbers say to me is that they have had to replace our whole department twice in the last few years. To me, that is a very high turnover rate.

Explore other reviews about Charles River Laboratories

5.0
12 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to work. Work/life balance is best I've been part of.

Cons

Very big company, don't always know who to go to

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Charles River Laboratories Response
2w
We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying your time at Charles River! Your contributions make a difference, and we’re grateful to have you on the team.
2.0
24 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people you work with under the leadership level are great and truly try their best every day to do the best job they possibly can.

Cons

Everyone is severely underpaid for the amount of work they’re expected to do. People will quit/be fired/laid off and no additional help is provided. Those who remain are expected to pick up all of the slack. Leadership is variable on the day-to-day but you never truly feel supported or like your problems are taken seriously enough to resolve. Individuals are actively urged not to present counter job offers as a way to negotiate higher pay or a different position because “the site head doesn’t like it”.

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