Mercer reviews

3.7

68% would recommend to a friend

(6,641 total reviews)
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Pat Tomlinson

48% approve of CEO

60% positive business outlook

Mercer has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 6,641 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Mercer employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Administración y consultoría industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

7K reviews
2.0
Apr 6, 2014

Easily the worst culture of any place I've worked in 20 years.

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are some very smart subject matter experts - however be careful they're not ERPs (see Cons). Apparently it looks alright on your CV. It's easy to stand out - just do stuff. The place is full of "would-of", "could-of", should-of" people who just snipe and offer views or 'strategy' (half these people wouldn't know an actual 'objective' or 'strategy' if it bit them) from the sidelines, but won't actually get in and do it. There are some great people who just cut through all the crap (see Cons below) and bring things to life. If you can find them you might keep your sanity.

Cons

The place is full of ERPs - emotionally retarded people. There are many smart 'numbers' people, but they have no idea about how to deal with humans. You see this in their interactions with colleagues, clients and customers. Collaboration is seen as a weakness. A culture of fear. Some senior leadership members drive a sycophantic culture that has a number of the ERPs (see above) running scared and being even more ineffective. It's ruled by a hyperactive compliance/legal culture. As a result moves too slowly and when it does finally do something, it's often archaic. The company is too afraid to actually stand for anything so it pontificates and does everything it can to avoid actually executing. I've seen six-month projects where the first four months were taken up with arguing over a 'project charter'. Of course the project ran late.

2.0
Oct 10, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Prestigious HR consulting firm If you stay in management's good graces, you may be able to work in different areas of the organization.

Cons

Difficult Colleagues: Principals and partners in the "Career" consulting practice in the Northeast are difficult to work with. They have huge egos and are quick to cut down and write off junior staff, who are already at a disadvantage because they do not receive adequate training. Cut throat environment: If you get burnt out from the stress of working in such a competitive, unforgiving environment, expect to lose your job. Being human is not allowed at Mercer. You have to be a machine and take on several client projects at once to meet your billable hours goal. If you don't meet it because a partner has underbid a project, but you have great reviews from colleagues and clients, you will either get a bad rating (and thus no increase or bonus), or you'll get fired. Mercer is merciless: Going through a difficult time emotionally? Need to take a leave of absence? Better not tell the insurance company work has anything to do with it. That will get you an immediate denial. Got approved for a leave of absence for stress/mental health reasons? Expect the worst when you return. You are now a pariah because you've shown you are weak. Your days are numbered.

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Mercer Response
4y
Thank you for taking the time to provide your candid feedback and we’re sorry to hear about your experience during your time at Mercer. We believe our colleagues do their best work when they are in a space where they feel valued and supported, and that they can bring their whole self into the office each day. The type of culture and environment you described is not condoned or acceptable at Mercer and we expressly prohibit all forms of intimidation, bullying or unfair behaviour and treatment. Employee mental health and wellbeing is paramount to us as an organisation and insight from our colleagues is often the best pulse check we have, so we greatly appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts with us.
1.0
Jan 15, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- if you want sub par fruit 2-3 times a week - watered down coffee - people in your team calling you names /swearing at you - management to forget your name all the time unless they want you to pick up other's work

Cons

- HR DOESNT EXISIT - How is it acceptable for a team member to be sexually forward and making advances to a colleague, as well as more than friendly contact!! i would not like to be touched!!!... when brought up to management nothing is done. When you complain they tell you to man up - Lots of staff they come in and dont do anything, in the end you pick up their work - Treats contractors terribly, have seen it to lots of contractors being talked down and different treatment - Most people are unmotivated and unqualified. Almost all departments lack a brain and can't think for themselves - Constant layoffs even of senior stuff there for 30+ years - Always cutting contractors off unexpectedly due "budget cuts" - talks bad about everyone (yourself included) between management ... where all staff can hear - no overtime pay or day in lieu, when worked overtime it was told not to be recorded in our time sheet

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Mercer Response
6y
I appreciate you taking the time to write this review. I’m shocked to read some of the issues that you’ve raised and please know we take these sort of claims very seriously. We’re committed to making Mercer a safe and happy place to work, and have absolutely zero tolerance on sexual harassment and bullying in our workplace. I encourage you to confidentially respond to me on this matter via ColleagueFeedback@Mercer.com so we can address your feedback and take appropriate action. Gaye Morris – People and Culture Leader, Mercer Pacific
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