R&D: brainwashing, frustrating, no growth - werkgeversreview Product Technologist bij Danone

Great people, highly structured, unique learning opportunities

Team was fully remote so sometimes a bit difficult to communicate with everyone

Work-life balance exists and is generally respected. Bonuses can be good, depending on the year and leadership priorities. Strong, reputable brands that look impressive on a résumé. "Some" genuinely great people who work hard despite the environment.

No meritocracy whatsoever. Promotions and career growth are driven by favoritism, internal alliances, and visibility politics rather than performance or results. Advancement often feels like a popularity contest. “Core values” are largely performative. They are referenced often but ignored when inconvenient, especially at leadership levels. Questionable long-term strategy. Direction changes frequently, priorities shift without explanation, and long-term planning feels weak or reactive. Extremely bureaucratic. Simple decisions require excessive approvals, slowing execution and stifling innovation. Politics over performance. Success depends more on who you align with than what you deliver. If you're not "one of them" or if they don't want to continue paying you your value, they'll find ways to get rid of you. So choose wisely and research the role and team.