My spirit died at Givaudan. Where Givaudan excels in ingredient and storytelling innovation, it lacks in warmth of a personal touch, overlooks individual strengths, and undervalues internal talent progression.
One shouldn’t have to divorce their individuality from their professional brand. It is difficult to feel safe to be one’s full self at Givaudan if that full self is not steeped in perfumery legacy or European tradition. People management determined by tenure instead of leadership ability hampers initiative and growth potential. Entry-level / (permanent) temp position turnover is especially ruinous, and many people below director level feel replaceable, continually looking for a way up or out.
Several other employees wear a happy mask, explicitly sharing amongst one another that they stay with the company only out of debt obligation or retirement benefit expectation, rather than the passion for their role or respect for the people with whom they spend the majority of their week. A lack of intra-departmental diversity also exacerbates groupthink and stifles newness from catching fire. Where are the men in fine fragrance sales or evaluation? Where are the women in technology or the C-Suite? Where are underrepresented minorities…outside of the lab? Shame.
Strong employee retention is a wonderful benefit resulting from positive management. Morale underneath ‘control and command’ middle managers suffers when traces of inspirational, visionary leadership are just a few doors down.
For such a beautiful industry, the environment at Givaudan is confusedly contentious. Tattling to HR seems to be a first line of defense, in avoidance of direct communication between colleagues. I was shocked by the frequency of HR intervention pursued for the most minor difference of opinions. If you can survive the emotionally toxic culture in the NY office, hats off. For others that prioritize mutual respect and equitable advancement opportunity, I recommend trying another fragrance house where you can spread your wings and thrive.
Happy Friday!
