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Stanford University

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R&DE is extremely toxic, please search through all reviews in addition to this one - Manager Stanford University Employee Review

1.0
Sep 10, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fairly decent PTO and sick leave Mid level and lower level employees are kind

Cons

This review is specifically for Stanford Dining (Stanford R&DE). It's important to remember that all of the departments at Stanford are siloed and depending on where you work, depends on how great or toxic the department. Unfortunately this is one of the very toxic ones. Where to even begin with this department? It is extremely toxic and cultish due to the leadership team - which mostly consists of narcissistic and self-absorbed individuals who think they are God's little gift to the world. Their whole slogan is "promoting a culture of excellence," which is just code language for working long hours and burning out. They are constantly short staffed and will make people cover job responsibilities that have absolutely nothing to do with their intended role. When I was an employee here I spent most of my time having to work on weekends, despite being salaried. I once expressed my concerns to my supervisor, who's only response was that "it was not a good look to say how busy you are," and that everyone is expected to fulfil their duties and do more. Turn over is high and whenever someone leaves, they rarely fill the role. Instead they just delegate the responsibilities from that old role to current employees. So the people who stay here just become burdened with more work overtime, but with no change in their salary. Also, you will be alienated if you do not subscribe to all of the cultish antics that goes on at meetings and elsewhere. For example, there is a weekly staff meeting conducted over zoom where the current Executive Director gets reigned in with "thank yous" for literally no reason at all. Every single person begins their update with "Thank you (Name of Executive Director) for your leadership." I swear, if you don't kiss the Executive Director's behind, they will make note of it and you will suddenly get alienated and treated with scorn and disdain. Which is exactly what happened to me, since I wouldn't drink the Kool-Aid. I quit without even giving a 2-weeks notice because I needed to get out of there for the sake of my mental health. I would rather jump off the highest cliff from the Grand Canyon, rather then returning to work here.

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Stanford University Response
3y
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. If you are willing to provide more information, please contact University Human Resources, Employee & Labor Relations at stanfordelr@stanford.edu.

Explore other reviews about Stanford University

5.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good healthcare benefits, cost covered by departments

Cons

Very high COL for the stipends - many students spend >60% of salary on rent.

4.0
Jun 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Overall, Stanford is an amazing place to work. The environment and benefits can't be beat. You can go for a swim on your lunch break or a walk around the lake. The recreational classes and opportunities are usually great. Eating at the dining hall, although pricy, is a real treat.

Cons

If you're not senior management, faculty, development, etc., Stanford's pay has not kept up with the cost of living in the area. If you come for a job from outside of California, be prepared for a real shock when you see the kinds of rentals and the prices. Beauty has a price. You will not be able to live near campus as the average employee. Unless you're really familiar with the traffic in California, don't look at places that you think are an hour away, because they'll be two hours away by car. And you'll have to pay to park on campus, so not driving at all is your best option. Many administrative jobs are held by partners of people working in tech or faculty, because that's the only way you can afford to live there. If you don't have a partner making $200K+, you'll be taking the train or bus for an hour. If you're thinking about buying a house and you don't have a suitcase of cash, that sound you're hearing is my laughter. It's also important to realize that the working conditions across campus vary by unit. Working at the Graduate School of Business will seem more like a corporate job; working in Medicine could be brutal; and the treatment you will get can vary by department.

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