Francofication - Director Quality Sanofi Employee Review

1.0
Sep 11, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible Work Hours Good 401K Fair Medical Plan

Cons

No growth potential unless you are French. No real potential for people below VP level. The only route to advancement is by being in France and with the current US tax climate and the ex-pat rules it is virtually impossible for anyone less than a VP to do an ex-pat. This means that you are stuck and cannot advance. As non-French positions open up they are filled with French staff. Limited and fragmented development strategy. It is all about who you know and not what you know. The French have a term for this - Systeme D. It is an integral part of their society and it is based on your network of connections and not on your job performance. Deadwood in an integral part of the organization. Merit raises are non-existent. 1-3% raises are typical which means your actual income in relation to the cost of living is decreasing. Compensation is all about the annual bonus which is based on performance by both the company and you and the company is constantly adding new rules and indicators which effectively mean that you will never see 100% of your bonus. Of course this only affects those below the VP level. All in all it has become a pretty demotivating place to work. Management organization is confusing, ever changing and dysfunctional. It is a cultural thing that is only getting worse.

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5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

work life balance, benefits, flexibility

Cons

less competitive salary, less promotion

3.0
Jul 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Extensive and active employee resource groups, strong leadership development opportunities, clear company mission, gig opportunities that support career development, strong employee support through the ombuds office and compliance help line, and stable company portfolio.

Cons

No work-life balance considerations with hybrid work model, contradictions in company mission compared to policies (i.e., target to reduce carbon emissions with employee commuting to office as one of the top 5 causes but yet still requiring employees to commute to office 3 days a week), some office sites are not conducive to in office productivity (not enough privacy or space), compensation package is not competitive for MA pharmaceutical companies, long-term incentives have almost no value once they are vested, health care benefits require employees to jump through hoops to maximize discounts or qualify for coverage of certain medications, and accountability for department leadership to follow the corporate leadership pillars is inconsistent across departments.

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