First Databank Reviews

3.3

51% would recommend to a friend

(96 total reviews)
avatar

Bob Katter

52% approve of CEO

58% positive business outlook

First Databank has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 96 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The First Databank employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Healthcare industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

96 reviews
3.0
23 Apr 2022

More Cons Than Pros for Me

Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good, friendly people for the most part. Wealthy company with a solid revenue stream. No urgency - work your hours/do your job and your out - very stable, slow paced org from my view. Hearst, the parent, has many great programs, class and learning / training opportunities. I wouldn't hesitate to work for another Hearst company.

Cons

So many cons that I resigned just five months after joining - a first for me, that was not only at a time where a job move was the LAST thing I wanted, but this the only quick departure in my 30-yr career. My exposure was limited to Sales, Marketing, CS, Product Mgmt - no experience with the pharmacy/quality side so I can't speak to the non-commercial side of things (other than the regular complaints of being paid too little). I waited almost two months to write this review. I really don't want to spend any more energy on this company but I'd like to caution anyone joining, the Sales Dept. especially. The Sales VP that hired me left 5mos after my start, after being there just 2yrs. Regular turnover in this role is common. The CEO is not a leader. He likely follows whatever Hearst Health is requesting of him is my guess. The newly promoted VP of Customer Success may be great at CS, but is very controlling and a micro manager. She recently accepted a perm move of SALES Operations to be under her management and that's when I saw the flip switch to a very controlling, defensive nature. No thanks. Additionally, I and the Sales Ops Mgr that worked there TWENTY NINE YEARS, shared directly with the CS VP, CEO and others that the move made NO sense. They didn't care, HR didn't do anything, we both resigned. It was utterly shocking. Btw, that dept head has zero experience in Sales and Sales Ops. Really poor leadership by her and the CEO and the head of HR to let this happen. And this company desperately needs Sales Ops. At least two additional highly skilled and experienced Sales people (not sales ops) have also left in the last month. The company has the potential to get stale and overrun if they don't 1) innovate and 2) take care of their people. Many of the pharmacists - what I see as the foundation, the core of the business - commented on here and during company meetings that they were underpaid. The CEO would say there's no money, but it's just not true. They and corporate want to keep their margins. Whether here or elsewhere, always get the pay and respect you deserve. Slooooowww pace, with many tenured people that are resistant to change. Be patient and just adapt. It takes them a long time to make decisions and then implement them. It's just different, not bad, but important to know if that's not compatible for you. P.S. They have the wrong person listed as CEO. Chuck is head of Hearst Health.

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First Databank Response
1y
Thank you for sharing positive experiences you had while working for FDB. We are sorry that your experience within departments was not positive. Sounds like it was difficult decision for you to leave after a short period of time. We appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention. We take your concerns, seriously.
2.0
4 July 2014

I don't think I have had a worse experience...

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

As with most places you work, you will find some great people here. The work can be interesting and challenging.

Cons

Executive leadership is not concerned with rank-and-file employees well being. Their edicts are "by the book" and lack conviction, as everything seems like corporate "make believe." I have never felt as used and abused as I did at this company. In spite of getting 2 positive performance evaluations, I was fired a week short of completing my first year. It was the most humiliating experience I have ever had in my working life.

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First Databank Response
9y
Thank you for your review. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t what you expected or desired – what you describe is not the environment that many of us know and love, or strive to achieve. Best of luck in your next adventure. -Chuck
1.0
26 June 2019

FDB’s Management is Outdated and Unfair

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. FDB has some of the most talented people working for them. 2. Work life balance is supported by many managers. 3. Community service is highly encouraged. Opportunities to participate in various events are provided throughout the year. 4. Free fruit, cereal, infused water, espresso machine, and vending machine (unlimited sodas only; snacks, however, are limited per day). 5. Free monthly luncheon

Cons

Management is horrible! FDB has some of the most talented people working for them...But many go unrecognized or are not fairly compensated. Management is allowed to do whatever they want -treating their employees unfairly, outright insulting and harassing them, giving unwarranted promotions...the list goes on, and they find ways to “justify” their actions. You would also think that being a tech company in the heart of the Bay Area, FDB would be more up to date with their perks and benefits to be more competitive with surrounding companies and to to attract and keep young talent, but they are not! Their salaries are VERY low and their benefits and perks are minimal compared to other companies. Another con is their bonus program and merit increases or lack there of - such a joke! And living in the Bay Area, the most expensive place in the nation, one would think they would consider some kind of cost of living increase to help out their employees but if you’re not in upper management or in sales then you get close to nothing!!!

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First Databank Response
5y
Thank you for your feedback. I agree with you that trust and accountability are critical values that managers within a business must uphold. I would extend this philosophy and practice to everyone within an organization (not just managers), and all relationships in general – professional and personal. Regarding the matter of trust, please know that I take allegations of “insulting and harassing” anyone extremely seriously. Actions of these types are unconditionally intolerable within FDB and if you have specific instances to report I encourage you to speak with me directly if you feel you cannot share them with anyone else. Please allow me to address some of your other concerns. Regarding compensation, our goal is to provide salaries that are fair and competitive within the marketplace. Employees are strongly encouraged to request a review of their salary relative to the current market if they feel a discrepancy exists. In fact, this process has successfully helped us to make salary adjustments for several employees within the past year. Regarding merit increases, please know that the average merit increase for all FDB employees combined over the past couple of years has been equivalent to the average indicated by Mercer's U.S. Compensation Planning Survey of 1,500 mid-size and large employers. Of course, an average merit increase for all employees combined implies that some employees will have higher increases (and some lower increases) than the average in a given year as these are based on goals accomplished, meeting deadlines, etc. Additionally, as you are aware, the bonus system for all employees at FDB, is based on overall company performance as well as individual performance relative to goals. Over the past few years, total bonus payments have increased. I would need to understand your specific circumstances in order to evaluate how these compensation-related items affect you. Regarding some of the other benefits you mentioned: 1) For decades, we have had an annual health and wellness reimbursement plan for gym memberships and other wellness type activities and purchases. If you are not aware of this, please speak with your manager and/or human resources to ensure that you can take advantage of this program. 2) Over the past year we have enhanced career growth with “Career Conversations” training for managers and employees to initiate discussions about career paths and development. So far, we have had had many managers and employees creating career development plans using this framework. Additionally, we have instituted a new paid medical leave policy with 100% salary continuation. Many of the items mentioned above have been revealed and addressed via the annual employee survey. While we cannot always respond to every suggestion and request provided in the surveys, many of these items indicate that the surveys are useful, we truly care about what employees think, and take action to make improvements when possible. Please know that my door is always open to you – and to all other FDB employees – if you wish to discuss your concerns in more detail. -Bob Katter, President
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Glassdoor has 110 First Databank reviews submitted anonymously by First Databank employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if First Databank is right for you.