Pros
Flexible working as you can work from home 3 days a week and they have flexitime Excellent training for you to do your job High standards of work Development opportunities. Though it should be noted that some managers treat development opportunities as a bargaining chip e.g. “you can only work on project x if you do it in your own time on top of your normal work” if they know you are interested in something and may concede to their request, whereas someone else who wasn't interested in it would just be given time to work on it.
Cons
Too endless to list in this department. Worst thing is the horrific management. Worked in this horrific department for several years hoping things would get better. Roche is a fantastic company to work for but unfortunately you experience a company through the department you’re in and this is a rotten one. It is incredibly political and competitive with people ready to stab you in the back at any moment. The worst aspect of this place is easily the management team as the culture bleeds from the top down. They lack integrity, are not understanding or fair at all and see people merely as pawns to milk everything out of; with 2 of the male managers being the worst. Accusations are constant and you will regularly have to defend yourself. Management are only interested in benefiting themselves selfishly and are more than happy to throw you under a bus to make themselves look better. The manager you get will define your experience of the job, as approaches are inconsistent. Worklife balance is non-existent in this place with people being encouraged to work overtime for no compensation everyday until 11pm-2/3am and during weekends. You will not get just credit for your effort and results but instead praise and opportunities go to the management’s favourites regardless of their actual ability and performance. This department might be alright as a stepping stone or learning experience for a short period of time but I would not recommend it for any long term option. All in all this is a toxic work environment and not a good place for your mental health. I have seen many talented individuals fall foul of this place.
