Let's try to keep a DNA place a great place dispite being "in business for Roche" - Anonymous employee Genentech Employee Review

4.0
27 Nov 2009
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1) culture: really smart, decicated, and respectuful colleagues 2) management transparent communication: well, that is pre-Roche period 3) amazing professional growth opportunity: wealth of professional techinical and soft-skill courses to take on campus (and off campus); i'm also lucky to have a wonderful effective manager.

Cons

1) management lack of communication: GNE management are honest that Roche does not share as much information as GNE Sr Leadership did. 2) fearful in loss of compensation and benefits: salary at GNE is on par with market, but what makes GNE extra special is the bonus, benefits, and stock options. we fear that we'll be losing most of our bonus and our wonderful health etc benefits. they have already started to be stingy with lunch meetings, travel, and just about any other little perky-appreciation item. All of us are "demoted" when we come to GNE, e.g. director to manager, manager to associate etc, AND the promotion opportunities are limited, so the bonuses and perks to make up for a big part of why most of us are here.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
6 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great salary and team! The interview process was smooth and effective.

Cons

To be determined, but so far many alignment meetings. Some folks have frustuations around the re-org and strategy changes.

3.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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