I loved my job, until I didn't - Anonymous employee Elsevier Employee Review

3.0
Nov 5, 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

CEO is very forward thinking. You know that you are doing something important to contribute to society. Coworkers are generally outstanding to work with.

Cons

BUs have very different cultures. Some are really well run. Some have terrible leadership. Some BU executives run the business like a high school clique and only promoting and keeping their friends even when data shows that others increase revenue and productivity more. Institutional knowledge is often overlooked. It is often lost in layoffs or people leaving because they are unhappy. Their is a sense that leadership in certain BUs don't care long term strategy and underpinning their base while growing new areas. They care more about getting a photo with famous people. Lay-off numbers are often hidden by laying people off a little at a time. Certain BUs are arguably anti-American and Americans are the first to be laid off (partially due to higher salaries and because they are not protected like European workers but also partially because there are certain groups who really don't like working with Americans). Career Opportunities can be very limited based on the BU that you are in.

Explore other reviews about Elsevier

5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Industry leader Great benefits Incentive trips Invests heavily in its employees

Cons

Processes can be burdensome and clunky at times

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Elsevier Response
3w
Thank you for this balanced and thoughtful review. We're glad to hear that our benefits and investment in people are making a positive impact, those are commitments we take seriously. On the process feedback: Leadership is actively reviewing operational workflows, and the advice to listen more closely to employee feedback is something we're holding ourselves accountable to. If you're open to it, we'd encourage you to bring specific examples forward through your team or people and culture contacts. Change is most effective when it's grounded in the real experiences of the people doing the work, and that means you. Feel free to reach out to us at elseviergdrev@elsevier.com to provide more information Thank you for staying engaged and for caring enough to share this. It matters.
4.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Every direct manager I've had has been excellent: supportive, positive, and trusting me to deliver good work instead of micromanaging. Employees tend to stay, which suggests stability even if not everyone gets promotions or significant raises.

Cons

The pressure to outsource as much as possible, which is common at every publisher, leads to frustration. Because promotions or significant raises seem to be rare, you may be stuck in neutral unless you're very openly ambitious.

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