Doesn't value it's employees - Director Exelixis Employee Review

2.0
Jun 5, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great team mates and project teams. Lots of very talented people. Interesting projects in the pipeline with a diversity of modality. really enjoyed my first 6 months. Nice offices and campus.

Cons

Toxic atmosphere created by reorganizations, lay offs, individual firings (CMO, and senior clinical staff), aggressive micromanaging and governance. Sudden changes to project teams structures, with no advance notice or change management. Revisions to the performance management system resulted in good performing staff getting poor reviews and having a reduced bonus. Overall staff were not given a full bonus due to not all the company goals being hit, Compulsory 5 day a week in the office instated (again). Managers are being told to check in with their staff multiple times a day and oversee their reports work. They have declared that this is not micromanagement, and micro management is when you do the work for the employees. (note definition of micromanagement "Micromanagement is a management style where a manager closely observes, supervises and/or controls the work of their employees". This is not just for junior employees where that is more necessary.

Explore other reviews about Exelixis

5.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Competitive Bay Area pay, great campus, excellent employee benefits, and accessible HQ in Alameda overlooking the water (close to OAK airport). In addition to a Winter Shutdown, they've added a Summer Shutdown, so it's a great time for employees to recharge. There are opportunities for growth and development if you are proactive and seek them out. In my time here, there have been changes and reorgs, but for good reasons and in line with the business's needs. I enjoy working here and have found a great community of colleagues. The company is also very heavily invested in community outreach and giving.

Cons

Exelixis is a 5-day onsite company, and for those wondering if it is enforced, yes, it is. That said, it's a modern, beautiful campus with a nice fitness center and a subsidized cafeteria. They offer commuter benefits and even carpooling programs among colleagues, in addition to a shuttle from the Peninsula.

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Comp and benefits: Pay, bonus, equity (ESPP, RSU, PSU, LTIP) very generous. Work life balance: Beautiful new building on the bay, nice views and climate. Onsite gym and cafeteria. 5 days a week onsite with flexibility, both a summer shutdown and a winter shutdown. Commuter benefits such as vanpool and BART. Culture and values: colleagues feel like family. The value of the company is to help patients recover stronger and live longer, and that's huge if being part of a bigger cause is important to you. Diversity and inclusion - Differences are celebrated. Career opportunities - If you wait around for your manager to promote you then it will take a while to happen anywhere. There's plenty of career opportunities in Exelixis, and every time I've shown interest, I've been given new opportunities. Senior management: It's easy to know the leaders at Exelixis, they're very approachable. People here are smart and passionate people that are shaping the future of this company.

Cons

Not everyone is suited to work here, because the company hires and retains high achievers. If you're a high achiever then this is a pro instead of a con, as you will get to work with similar, driven people.

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