Values complacency and frustrates the "best" and "innovative" workforce they hire when they voice a need for change - Design Manager Gensler Employee Review

3.0
Dec 17, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Cool looking office with snacks - Fun client projects (all workspace focused) - Well-known company esp in the Bay Area - Different offices to work out of

Cons

- Seniority is valued more than hard working people relatively new to the firm -Not enough desks for everyone and not enough space to work in most studios - Most people are overworked but are strongly urged to "donate their time" so that project managers aren't penalized for going over budget - Underpay people with the promise of a bi-annual bonus that is considered to be part of an employee's compensation package, but that is a variable depending on how well their studio/the company did that year financially -There is this pressure to meet productivity metrics for all employees in all locations that hinders productivity - Lots of "nice people" who fear having direct and transparent difficult conversations to ensure appropriate feedback is provided and all members of a team are doing their part - Not a fan of people who don't fit into a complacent, safe mold esp if asking questions about operational improvements that can be made

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Gensler Response
6y
Thanks for taking the time to share feedback on your experience at Gensler. We appreciate your candor and consider all the feedback we receive. Encouraging our people to ask questions and share their perspectives is fundamental to our firm’s culture.

Explore other reviews about Gensler

5.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work-life balance and flexible scheduling. Supportive team environment with opportunities to learn new technologies. Management is generally approachable and benefits are competitive.

Cons

Internal processes can be slow and bureaucratic at times. Career advancement opportunities are limited without clear timelines. Communication between departments could be improved significantly.

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Gensler Response
2w
Thanks so much for the feedback. We love to hear from our people. You and your colleagues are the foundation of our success. We are delighted to see your 5-star rating!
1.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice office, lots of “rah rah Gensler” events with food & booze, some nice people

Cons

Where do I start…..some studios are TOXIC. Favoritism permeates every aspect of working here. It’s nauseating. There is zero loyalty, zero recognition for hard work (yeah you get a bonus but sometimes a kind word is needed). Oh-and never ever express an opinion that may be in opposition to “leadership’s”. Your private life, beliefs, politics and other personal things are fair game for letting you go. I’ve seen it happen-fired because someone expresses in a private conversation that one has ethical concerns regarding projects that are in the office (but in another studio/office) will get you fired. They will make up some bs about “work performance”, yet no conversation ever with anyone about “needing improvement “. Out of left field. Bye bye. Management tells leadership that they’d already “warned” the person-completely untrue. Hear later it was likely due to having concerns about a client/project. Lesson learned-shut up, work 12 hrs a day and be happy with the scraps you’re thrown. Also-egos galore! Unwillingness to take accountability for mistakes.

5
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Gensler Response
2w
Thanks for the feedback. We treat workplace concerns seriously and address them in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. We have multiple channels for reporting issues and we train and encourage our team members to use them. Encouraging everyone to ask questions and provide honest feedback is critical to supporting our culture and our values of integrity, trust and mutual respect. We appreciate your feedback and will share your comments with the firm’s leadership.
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