Start living in the real world. Become competitive, not cosy. - Director AstraZeneca Employee Review

2.0
Aug 28, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The pay is good, and some of the people are good.

Cons

Massively over-manned and over-managed. When anyone else would have one person doing a job, AZ has at least 3, and four extra layers of managers and directors. Instead of merging Astra and Zeneca - both of which were fat and overmanned - they just added them together and put in a couple of extra layers of directors and managers. Having grown fat and lazy with great stock programmes, folk just turn up for work and don't seek the improvements in how the business works that will shortly be needed for survival. The whole culture is just waiting for the next "blockbuster" drug that will make them all real comfortable again. They don't realise that their old model of blockbusters and stupid healthcare plans and governments paying them too much just will not work in the future. The folk from N. America intensely dislike the Brits, the Brits hate the folk from N America, and the Swedes get pushed around by the Americans and Brits.

Explore other reviews about AstraZeneca

5.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to work and good benefits

Cons

There really aren’t any cons

5.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I imagine this is very dependent on line management but I find my team and supervisors to be true champions of a high performing and highly compassionate work culture. I find my work challenging and rewarding, and have had opportunities to learn and grow and be rewarded and recognized for my output. No job is perfect but I’m truly happy to work here and at a time when AZ is truly rising like a rocket.

Cons

Like any massive global corporate entity, things can sometimes move slowly and it can be challenging to navigate a high number of constantly evolving priorities and initiatives. That being said, AZ is very clear about its north stars and values which makes it possible to prioritize work that has the most impact and alignment with the company’s ambition and business prerogatives. 60% office attendance policy is also a bit funny when oftentimes I am on Teams calls with colleagues sitting in other areas of the world.

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