Beasts of burden - Strategist Publicis Groupe Employee Review

1.0
Aug 23, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Your coworkers are the only thing that make it worth it

Cons

This company and the out-of-touch CEO in particular put so much burden on you as an employee: Demand that you return to office (regardless of your input) without supplying the right resources to ensure an efficient and accomodating environment. Not enough seats, working external monitors, or conference rooms. No personal desks - still hot desks. No ergonomic chairs and only a limited number of standing desks. Demand you complete hours of compliancy training on topics from harassment to disability accomodations but discriminate against employees with chronic illnesses, requiring you to put an end-date for remote work agreements on your accomodation forms - even if if your chronic illness has no end. Will throw out your request if you leave end-date as undefined even with a doctor's note. And they also require you to provide the note as quickly as possible and will throw out your request if not even if you can't get in to see a doctor in time. Demand you be a part of culture activities as a reason to be back in the office even if it takes up valuable client time (will hold back promotions if you don't show face - this is the CEO's primary reason for forced RTO), all while encouraging you to take on extra UNPAID DUTIES like using your educational stipend. How are we supposed to spend more time in the office on top of additional education? Then, of course, if you do use your stipend, you're trapped working there for at least a year in a hostile working environment because you'll be forced to pay it back if you leave early.

Explore other reviews about Publicis Groupe

5.0
May 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Enable growth across the Groupe for self-starters Smart and empathetic C-Suite Strategic in its capabilities Cutting edge

Cons

No clear structure for teams Not much cross-pollination with other strategists

1.0
Apr 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most have been rescinded at this point

Cons

I had high expectations going into my role at Publicis Groupe, but the experience ultimately fell short. What was initially presented as an inclusive and flexible workplace no longer reflects reality. Over time, it feels like the company has moved away from those values, with less emphasis on flexibility and support for employees. Work-life balance is a significant concern. Long working hours are standard, and there is an ongoing expectation to be available outside of normal business hours. This kind of environment quickly leads to burnout and makes it difficult to maintain any sense of balance. Compensation is another area where the company struggles. Merit increases are minimal or nonexistent, and overall pay does not feel competitive compared to similar roles elsewhere. Even with increased responsibilities and strong performance, there is little meaningful recognition through salary growth. In addition, several perks and benefits have been reduced or removed over time, which has negatively impacted morale. Combined with understaffed teams and limited coverage when employees are out, this creates added pressure on individuals to carry heavier workloads. There are talented people across the organization, but the current culture makes it difficult to sustain long-term growth without sacrificing personal well-being. Cons: Poor work-life balance, long working hours, constant expectation to be available outside business hours, high burnout risk, minimal or nonexistent merit increases, below-market compensation, lack of competitive pay, reduced or rescinded perks and benefits, understaffed teams, inadequate coverage, uneven workload distribution, lack of recognition, declining morale, unsustainable work environment

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