Bad decision to accept a job here - Anonymous employee Exelixis Employee Review

2.0
9 Jan 2022
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Competitive pay albeit stock price seems to continually tank. Pretty good benefits for a pharma company. Good talented people that you work with on a day to day basis...as long as they stay. But at this rate, people are dropping like flies.

Cons

As a newish employee hired during the pandemic, I am shocked at the "culture" enforced by Exelixis senior management. I was lied to by multiple people during my interview process about what it's like to work here. As mentioned in many other reviews, leadership has proven they have no ounce of respect for their employees. I was excited to work with talented, smart people but those co-workers are quickly jumping ship. Management and HR regularly reviews badge scan data which "may be" used to determine compensation. No leader seems to trust their teams to be productive at home--I feel like I'm treated like a child. There will soon be little reason to stay. The mandated 5-day in-office policy along with a lackluster pipeline are clues for you to steer clear.

Explore other reviews about Exelixis

5.0
8 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Comp and benefits: Pay, bonus, equity (ESPP, RSU, PSU, LTIP) very generous. Work life balance: Beautiful new building on the bay, nice views and climate. Onsite gym and cafeteria. 5 days a week onsite with flexibility, both a summer shutdown and a winter shutdown. Commuter benefits such as vanpool and BART. Culture and values: colleagues feel like family. The value of the company is to help patients recover stronger and live longer, and that's huge if being part of a bigger cause is important to you. Diversity and inclusion - Differences are celebrated. Career opportunities - If you wait around for your manager to promote you then it will take a while to happen anywhere. There's plenty of career opportunities in Exelixis, and every time I've shown interest, I've been given new opportunities. Senior management: It's easy to know the leaders at Exelixis, they're very approachable. People here are smart and passionate people that are shaping the future of this company.

Cons

Not everyone is suited to work here, because the company hires and retains high achievers. If you're a high achiever then this is a pro instead of a con, as you will get to work with similar, driven people.

4.0
30 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I read all the reviews before, during, and after the interview process, and after accepting my offer, and found that much of what people are complaining about isn't unique to Exelixis. On-site expectations aren't unique, constant change isn't unique, and leaders who aren't perfect aren't unique. What is unique is the genuinely kind and committed staff, significant investment in excellent benefits and perks, dogs allowed in non-lab environments, and people who spend their careers here. My advice for job seekers: don't be scared. Reach out to your network and ask them directly about their experiences. Bitter Glassdoor reviews didn't dissuade me, and I'm glad I didn't listen.

Cons

Some teams are extremely top-heavy with titles that don't exist in the industry, and some leaders are more interested in flexing their control than leading with empathy.

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