Depressing and toxic - Anonymous employee Lonza Employee Review

1.0
16 July 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I’ve been with this company for over a decade, but lately it feels more like a trap than a career. The culture has deteriorated rapidly, especially after the abrupt and demoralizing return to site mandate that felt more like a punishment than a policy. The environment is tense, disjointed, and disheartening. The only thing keeping me here is the health insurance otherwise, I would have moved on already. If you’re thinking about applying to Lonza, I’d recommend holding off, at least until the organization re-evaluates how it treats its people.

Cons

Management is siloed and often plays favorites, creating a toxic atmosphere where retaliation isn't uncommon. Decisions are reactive, not strategic, and forethought is practically discouraged. The pay is decent, but it comes with a heavy emotional toll. After a while, you’ll start dreaming about work and wondering if your growing collection of bourbon bottles counts as a hobby or a warning sign.

Explore other reviews about Lonza

5.0
8 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Diverse opportunities across departments as one wanted

Cons

Provide decent pay and benefits

2.0
23 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Compensation (for higher level associates/senior management positions)

Cons

1) Work/life balance - leaders don't honor paid time off. Many teams expect you to be available during paid time off periods 2) Benefits - employer doesn't offer employer-subsidized vision insurance 3) Holidays - employer doesn't offer MLK Day and Juneteeth as paid days off, indicating how little they value diversity, inclusion, and belonging 4) Promotions - political; not based on merit 5) Mandated 5 day return-to-office to enable "in person collaboration" while at the same time offshoring jobs to cheaper markets. 6) PTO - based on tenure, but I think Lonza prefers high turnover so they don't have to give people time off (if they even honor it in the first place - see con 1) 7) Lack of harmonization - for an established CDMO, I was surprised at the level of misalignment between sites and the lack of standardization of processes

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