A byzantine, inefficient bureaucracy that barely functions - Assistant Editor Elsevier Employee Review

3.0
11 Oct 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- The mid-level Elsevier employees are phenomenal. Every single one I've interacted with has been extremely competent and sharp. - Some funds are available to help journal editors travel for annual meetings.

Cons

- The primary system used by journal editors—Editorial Manager—is a hot flaming sack of excrement. It has the worst UX I've ever seen in my life, never using three clicks for a basic function when it can work in an extra ten or twenty and failing to follow basic principles of good design. Bizarre, complicated, many-step workarounds are required for even the most straightforward functions. - I can't comment on pay for actual employees, but those of receiving stipends to work as journal editors don't make very much—at least not at my small journal in the social sciences.

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Elsevier Response
4y
Thank you for your review. We are disappointed to hear that you are not happy with one of the systems you use at work. We want all our people to thrive and feel fulfilled in their roles. We also encourage them to feel empowered to raise any ongoing issues or concerns with their managers. Our people are our strength, so we appreciate and rely on their feedback.

Explore other reviews about Elsevier

5.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

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
1mo
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.
4.0
20 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Great company -Team has talented, experienced account managers and product experts who know the territory well

Cons

West team management is heavy on micromanagement and sets unrealistic territory targets without rep input — high turnover, and long tenure in company seems to shield this manager from accountability and growth

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