Beware of Performance Management Policy - Ask about it during your interview - Director AstraZeneca Employee Review

3.0
Mar 28, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive salary, bonuses can be phenomenal, generous stock grants, great healthcare plans

Cons

Performance Management system, retirement savings plan for those hired after 12/31/2017 (massive cuts to benefits for those hired afterward). Forced ranking performance management system requires 10%-15% of the workforce to be told they are not performing in their jobs each year. This typically results in no stock award and bonus cut in half. Very political system. Forced ranking does not work in a lean organization that does not want attrition. Stifles collaboration as employees need to compete with each other for bonus and stock money instead of focusing on the mission. Discourages teamwork.

Explore other reviews about AstraZeneca

5.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to work and good benefits

Cons

There really aren’t any cons

5.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I imagine this is very dependent on line management but I find my team and supervisors to be true champions of a high performing and highly compassionate work culture. I find my work challenging and rewarding, and have had opportunities to learn and grow and be rewarded and recognized for my output. No job is perfect but I’m truly happy to work here and at a time when AZ is truly rising like a rocket.

Cons

Like any massive global corporate entity, things can sometimes move slowly and it can be challenging to navigate a high number of constantly evolving priorities and initiatives. That being said, AZ is very clear about its north stars and values which makes it possible to prioritize work that has the most impact and alignment with the company’s ambition and business prerogatives. 60% office attendance policy is also a bit funny when oftentimes I am on Teams calls with colleagues sitting in other areas of the world.

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