Worst management practices in my 20+ years experience at 10+ companies (review for 2009-2011) - Clinical Development Gilead Sciences Employee Review

1.0
20 Feb 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They give you titles and signing bonuses, probably because they have such a hard time getting people willing to work there. They are always hiring, due to the high turnover rate. In recent years, the stock price has been doing well.

Cons

When there is a management challenge, instead of having a conversation with the employee and trying to manage the problem, they made their lives miserable to get them to quit. Management expressed extreme pride in how efficient they were as compared with companies like BMS, J&J, etc For example, when people would ask about getting more resources, they would say, "where are you from? Oh, for 5 of them, there is 1 of us." Although HR usually is there for the company and not really for the employees (with the exception of a few companies), it is never as true as it is here. Don't bother bringing any issues to HR. It would be more productive for you to spend your time searching for another job, although due to how many hours you have to work here, you probably won't have the time. Work-life balance doesn't exist here and you shouldn't even breath a word of it or you will be fired or made to wish you were dead. Recruiters throughout the bay area in biotech know to go poaching there, because of the environment. The most political, back-stabbing environment I have ever experienced or heard of. Extreme favoritism and politics. Talking about the company to anyone you wouldn't trust with your life (slight exaggeration) is not advisable; and don't talk in the hallways or cafes.

Explore other reviews about Gilead Sciences

5.0
4 Jul 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great management team with vision for new technologies and modalities; great culture and co-workers; benefits

Cons

Little work from home opportunities

1.0
18 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-The only pros are the amazing benefits - probably the best 401K I've seen as well as the highly competitive salaries.

Cons

-Lack of culture is a growing and rampant issue - there is a very high level of favoritism -Micromanagement from senior leadership - instances occuered where they essentially forced an employee to resign and not directly fire him/her just so that they wouldn't have to pay severence package, etc. Managers want to just make themselves look good and make it clear that your only job is to acf as if they are God's gift to this messed up planet. -Lack of proper communication and frequent unnecessary team meetings held which are a waste of time and do not accomplish any desirable results.

2
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