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Gates Foundation

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Horrible culture and lousy hiring - Anonymous employee Gates Foundation Employee Review

2.0
Apr 25, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great benefits and competitive salary.

Cons

This is not a company that lives by a set of principles. If you ask any employee, what are the principles you think that operate here - most likely answer will be "selfishness" - which is counterintuitive when you look at the mission. Arrogant self-promoters and middle management with no values is the norm here. There is a belief in "rock star" syndrome which deters collaboration and stifles "growth mindset." The place is inundated with political hawks who are there to score points at the expense of the mission. Humility is not appreciated nor rewarded.

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Gates Foundation Response
9y
Thank you so much for your posting and your well thought out recommendations to management, several of which are already being implemented or discussed. I'm particularly passionate about how to hire for the culture we aspire to create. Any thoughts here would be appreciated. If there is more you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to reach out to do so. Pam.Yanchik@gatesfoundation.org

Explore other reviews about Gates Foundation

5.0
Apr 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Everyone is aligned to the mission. Fantastic benefits.

Cons

These could be pros for some but travel and ambiguity are things to deal with

3.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Mission-based work Diverse, passionate employee base Healthcare benefit Parental leave and support Unlimited PTO

Cons

Poor work-life balance Perfectionist culture Unreasonable expectations with working hours High levels of burnout Retaliation for setting boundaries with working hours Culture resistant to prioritization of work

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