Forced RTO - Principal Research Software Engineer Genentech Employee Review

2.0
5 Aug 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It is enjoyable to work at the cutting edge of science and innovation. I still have a job and have not been laid off.

Cons

The past 3 years with WFH has been transformative to the organization, but for some reason, they are attempting to drag the company back into the 1980s like the internet doesn't exist. C-level and VP-level executives are obsessed with RTO at the SSF site, even for people that work in globally distributed teams. They have begun to count badge swipes to punish employees that don't comply to set an example. Yearly cost of living raises are not keeping up with inflation and most employees have lost somewhere in the range of 10-15% in spending power over the past 3 years. HR will claim that yearly cost of living raises are given to keep up with the cost of labor, but words like these don't pay for rent, food, or energy costs that are spiraling in the Bay Area. The lab scientists have seen massive budget cuts this year and are forced to scrounge and negotiate with all of their suppliers to have reagents, materials, and basic lab supplies to perform their experiments or risk missing their goals. DEI efforts are talked about like things are going great, but the newly formed gCS department leadership team was just filled entirely with middle-aged white men.

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.

2
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