Macrogen Reviews

2.1

17% would recommend to a friend

(34 total reviews)

19% positive business outlook

Macrogen has an employee rating of 2.1 out of 5 stars, based on 34 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Macrogen employee rating is 40% below average for employers within the Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

34 reviews
1.0
30 Jun 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The principal redeeming factor lies within the strong bonds formed amongst non-management employees. These relationships have been forged in the crucible of a work environment rendered toxic by managerial practices, rather than by the nature of the tasks at hand. Together, these individuals share a sense of being undervalued and manipulated, fostering a shared ambition and drive to find alternative career opportunities.

Cons

Reflecting upon my time at this organization, I observed a series of concerning practices that prospective employees should be aware of. The company lacked strategic direction and a clear career development pathway for its employees. When concerns were raised, management would often respond with assurances of resolution, which, regrettably, resulted in little action, when they actually responded to our concerns. The disparity in treatment between upper management and the rest of the workforce was evident in numerous areas, from compensation to receptivity to feedback, and crucially, in the level of trust extended. An unsettling lack of trust was directed towards employees outside of the South Korean management circle, creating a divide that bred a culture of concealed processes and opacity. Everything is done under the table and with a level of secrecy you would expect from a governmental intelligence agency. Regrettably, despite the high volume of work employees managed, recognition in terms of salary increment or increased trust was conspicuously absent. Coupled with a rigid stance against remote working, this created an environment of discontent and disillusionment. The micromanagement tendencies of the authority and control obsessed management team added to the toxicity of the work environment, stifling autonomy and fostering a climate of constraint over collaboration; this is especially evident in the NGS department. The company's penchant for hiring less-experienced individuals appeared to be dictated more by its modest compensation structure rather than an opportunity for newcomers to gain substantial experience. An issue of significant concern was the organization's high turnover rates. This led to increased workload for remaining employees, often pushing them to perform tasks beyond their original roles, which can yield a fragmented experience rather than a cohesive skill set development. Interestingly, the company serves as an illuminating case study of what to avoid in a professional environment, highlighting clear red flags indicative of a toxic work culture and management practices. However, it's critical to note that the constant crisis management, lack of recognition, and the apparent disregard for employees' welfare do not make this a sustainable long-term work environment. In conclusion, while the company may provide an entry point into the industry, it seems more prudent to treat this opportunity as a brief stepping stone rather than a permanent career choice. The experience can potentially provide valuable insights into identifying unfavorable workplaces and arm an individual with the discernment necessary for future professional engagements. Remember to value your contribution and seek a work environment that reciprocates that value with adequate recognition and trust.

2.0
29 Jun 2023

Lacking everything

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice relationship with some colleagues. Opportunity to try different things (if you are interested to do it yourself)

Cons

Lacking department heads both in soft and hard skills. No interest to learn or improve. Issues within the company are not addressed. HR lacks knowledge and people skills. If you have any issues, better not go to HR. No opportunities for growth and learning. Very high employee turnover, and no interest in working on it. Low pay.

1.0
29 Oct 2023

STAY AWAY

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very nice people in the lower ranks. They form a nice, helpful environment.

Cons

Power-tripping people ((mostly Koreans, no…actually ONLY Koreans) in the managerial ranks. No western mentality. Especially the last year very high turnaround of emploees. The record was a person to stay for only 2 weeks. Amsterdam people are not allowed to contact the Seoul HQ. No reason behind it. Sneacky practices: projects changing hands while running. If a mistake is made by a senior management person, it automatically is another person’s fault. Too slow to adapt to new things. The Macrogen Europe in AMS is definitely not an individual entity. It is a part of the HQ in the heart of Europe. Employee evaluations done according to how much you kiss someone’s back. No idea if the CEO has any input on decision making, or if he just exists. Very underpaid and no benefits.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 34 Reviews

Glassdoor has 47 Macrogen reviews submitted anonymously by Macrogen employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Macrogen is right for you.