Declining fast - Anonymous employee Korn Ferry Employee Review

2.0
May 3, 2021
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to learn the ropes of Executive Search quickly. Great people if you're on the right team. Generous time off Generous maternity and paternity leave

Cons

The true definition of a "Dog-eat-Dog" environment. Extremely competitive-- this would be a pro but it's a dirty fight It's definitely the old boys club-- if you're a female rising up, you are working 10x harder than your male peers who are out golfing with the higher ups. While they offer generous paid paternity leave, you will be mocked for taking it. If you take maternity leave, you will not return to the same amount of respect you left with. The company may offer you tons of vacation but make it nearly impossible to actually use it. Your job is NOT safe unless you are a fee-earner and a high billing one, at that. Lots of weird vibes between various lines of business. Sexual Harassment is often unreported to save one's image. Blatant discrimination internally and externally (amongst candidates) is overlooked or swept under the rug. Extreme lack of resources after they laid off about a third of the workforce a month into the pandemic and reducing everyone else's salary. Everyone is tired, overworked and looking for work elsewhere.

Explore other reviews about Korn Ferry

5.0
Feb 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I am a consultant through a firm acquired by Korn Ferry and have had a great experience with both the firm (Salo) and with Korn Ferry as a parent company. Great to have benefits and PTO as a consultant and great training and resources available - good communication as well!

Cons

Transitional period during acquisition had a few bumps but nothing major and all ironed out as more time has gone on.

4.0
Jun 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The client diversity across industries and regions is top notch. Great brand recognition. The marketing investments in Korn Ferry Tour and LA28 paid off. Smart people. Remote work is a plus as 75% people work remotely. No push for facetime in offices. Work from anywhere! Everyone knows of Korn Ferry!

Cons

A culture of long hours and interrupted vacations. Clear demarcation between haves(fee earners) and have nots (execution). High expectations with outdated systems, manual processes, inefficient. Low pay as there are no merits due to market/company performance. Hard to get food at the holiday party so stop at Five Guys prior.

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