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Penguin Random House

Is this your company?

Ugh - Editor Penguin Random House Employee Review

2.0
May 27, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing colleagues. Got to work with the best minds in the world to create amazing books. Loved the work. Absolutely loved the work.

Cons

Toxic culture. In my one department, 3 harassment cases, of which we were told to consider "both sides." Perpetrators protected based on friendships with key decision makers. HR was notified, and did everything they could to protect to company against victims. Was personally sexually harassed, as were many colleagues, who no longer work in publishing, or live in NYC - basically they fled. "Low pay" because we "love what we do" is code for continuing to hire the same type of rich white employee who can afford NYC on a tiny salary. If you're going to prioritize white books and white buyers, just be transparent about it. Stop putting the onus on employees to undergo "diversity trainings." Pay more. Hire diverse employees. Listen to victims.

Explore other reviews about Penguin Random House

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

super friendly work environment, very understanding, very fun

Cons

in consumer marketing department, a large number of people work remotely

5.0
Jun 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

• Caring people. Psychological safety is emphasized by people at every level. I feel like leadership at each step of the reporting chain is very approachable and transparent. • Great work/life balance. • There is a lot of openness to trying new technologies or doing different things for such a large and established organization. There is very little "trend chasing," it's more like you're listened to. As the CEO started out as a technologist, he has a realistic view of what new tools (including, but not just, AI) can do for us. • Informal, especially for a company created by the merger of two nearly-100 year old publishing firms and was recently acquired by a nearly-200 year old company. • Company supports learning and development. • Free books! • I care greatly about the company's mission and it's clear how my work impacts the company's ability to execute on it. • Things often move slowly, which is both a pro and a con.

Cons

• Pay and insurance are very average, but I can live with that. This is a much bigger con for employees whose jobs require them to be on-site, especially in e.g. London and New York. • Said learning and development seem to have a ...deliberate pace. While this is fine and what I wanted, other tech people coming in from more "tech-y" organizations mightn't gel with it. • Things often move slowly, which is both a pro and a con.

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