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Penguin Random House

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Penguin Random House reviews

3.9

75% would recommend to a friend

(1,188 total reviews)
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Nihar Malaviya

87% approve of CEO

73% positive business outlook

Penguin Random House has an employee rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 1,188 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Penguin Random House employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Media & Communication industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

1K reviews
2.0
Oct 5, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefits are unbelievable. Nearly two months of combined PTO, $1500 annual company contribution to the HSA, over four months parental leave at 100% pay... it's unmatched.

Cons

Pay. After four years, a promotion, and three across-the-board pay band adjustments to keep pace with the industry, I left PRH having reached the lofty heights of making $55,000/year, pre-tax. This is an unlivable wage for anyone who doesn't come from money or who's not partnered with a higher earner, especially in NYC since they're now "encouraging" a return to office. Even before the actions of Markus Dohle and Madeline McIntosh plunged PRH into a storm of VSOs, layoffs, and 2% "COL" (lol) raises, the pay structure and raise procedure was utterly broken and impossible for most to navigate. It's also just quietly implied that you should work until your work is done, whether or not you're salaried or hourly, regardless of how short-staffed your department is or low long the title list grows. This, combined with the practice in my department of individuals not being considered "ready" for a promotion until they're already trained on and doing the 'next step' work for a good long while at their current title and pay grade, meant that basically everyone was underwater and underpaid.

3.0
Feb 26, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Long-standing reputation Money to buy competitive books Highly organized operations Summer Fridays Holiday blackout Free books

Cons

Merge eliminated much of the Penguin nonfiction side Lack of diversity and inclusivity. Not enough POCs which is a problem across the board in the industry Minimum effort towards diversity awareness— diverse books yes but hardly any diversity within the company especially editorial

2.0
May 23, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work with competent, sometimes great, occasionally legendary authors. General culture of solidarity and support among fellow assistant-level employees. Real entry point into editorial responsibilities to offset the drudgery. Solid credential for appealing to subsequent employers. Plenty of free books.

Cons

If you are paired with a difficult manager, your life will be a waking nightmare. Poor work/life separation, due both to managers' expectations and to a persistent expectation that you take work home. HR will always protect a big-name staff member over the employee they are mistreating. Not much room to move up within the company unless your timing is especially lucky.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 1,188 Reviews

Glassdoor has 1,550 Penguin Random House reviews submitted anonymously by Penguin Random House employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Penguin Random House is right for you.