Not a good place to be a temp or contractor. - QC Analyst I Genentech Employee Review

2.0
Aug 31, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I gained so much valuable experience at this company that really boosted my resume. It is a company with a lot of resources and innovations to help you work productively. Because of this company I'm qualified for many advanced positions.

Cons

Genentech is hailed as one of the greatest places to work. An asterix should be added to that as that only applies to employees and huge percentage (guessing at least 30 percent and growing) of the workforce there is contracted out or temps. Genentech treats contractors so poorly and the proportion of contractors is way too high especially for advanced level work that is not needed for a temporary basis. They never get recognized even though they do most of the work, pay is horrible, have to pay for corporate buses, are not invited to department meetings or celebrations, and the contractor parking lot is at a undesirable warehouse location 15 minutes away even though permanent employee parking always has available spaces. I have not seen so much segregation in a corporation. As a contractor for 3 years there I've seen countless advanced positions which should be designated for permanent employees go to contractors for half the pay. Most of these contractors end up never getting hired even though they perform well often. Most I see leave in less than a year.

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Genentech Response
9y
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts. We have learned a lot, both from our reviews and our workforce. Our continued focus is to create an environment that allows everyone to do their best work; therefore, we review and discuss policies and guidelines regularly. That said, we are happy to announce that our contingent workforce policies and guidelines changed this year and contingent workers can learn about these changes from their managers. Through the evolution of change, our ongoing intent is to create and cultivate an open and more inclusive work environment.

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5.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great salary and team! The interview process was smooth and effective.

Cons

To be determined, but so far many alignment meetings. Some folks have frustuations around the re-org and strategy changes.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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