billion+ in stock buybacks, while employee wage growth below inflation - Manager Pearson Employee Review

1.0
Feb 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Remote work still largely supported in the US. If you're lucky you can end up on a good team, but there's lots of restructuring so that may not last. Vacation time and benefits comparable to other major companies.

Cons

Over the past few years, Pearson has been profitable. There was £850 million total spend on stock buybacks across 2024 and 2025, and another round announced for 2026, bringing the 3-year total to £1.2 billion. During this time, annual wage increases have been less than inflation, so employees are taking a pay cut in real dollars. Pearson is profitable but overly focused on shareholder value while employees take a hit. It's never enough for current leadership. Workers are tuning out, which happens when hard work is not rewarded and leadership lacks credibility.

Explore other reviews about Pearson

5.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Smart people, supportive environment and good benefits

Cons

Tight deadlines and it gets busy at times

2.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

When a project goes according to plan you can work with some great people and make decent money.

Cons

Bad behavior is tolerated when you have a weak team member. They are allowed to remain on payroll, even if they do not effectively contribute. The burden is often placed on the team members willing to pick up the slack. Promotions are not given to the most qualified. They are randomly assigned. There are some horrible scoring directors as a result.

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