Knowledge workers treated like factory workers - Global Head of Leadership Development Novartis Employee Review

3.0
Oct 6, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Awesome campus with a real feeling of being part of something bigger. Pride of working for a major player in Pharma. The feeling you are working for a company that helps people get well or, at least, reduces their suffering.

Cons

No matter how much experience you bring with you, you are treated like a trainee when you first join this company. The halls echo with the call to action: DELIVER! DELIVER! DELIVER! Everyone is in such a flurry to deliver that they often forget to stop and see if what they are delivering really adds value. You must march in step with the rest of the army of employees or you aren't moving up in this organization. There is no room for people who march to the sound of a different drum... you do what you are told, you DELIVER and forget about innovation or creativity. There is a strong 'fear culture' in many of the departments and most managers are so afraid of their bosses that they create an oppressive work environment.

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5.0
May 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

people are friendly and easy to work with

Cons

daily commute takes longer than expected

2.0
May 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pays pretty well in comparison to similar jobs in the market

Cons

Unstable schedule where you are often asked to come in overnight (1-2 am) regardless of if you have worked the previous day or are off. Basically feels like you're permanently on-call to conduct environmental monitoring. Training is slow. The Micro dept in general is currently understaffed. The job also involves lab work once you are done with your daily environmental monitoring tasks. The work never ceases and the Technicians as a whole has several responsibilities. Promotions seem to come very slowly here.

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