Poor Management and Work/Life Balance - Research Associate GLG Employee Review

1.0
13 Jul 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It's an aesthetically appealing office space from the look-but most managers discourage ABW (activity-based working) or limit you to an hour even though that's what the space was set up for...They have a coffee bar with a barista. You get exposure to consultants' lifestyles and work with some big players in the industry. I thought I wanted to get into consulting...not after this job! The Learning and Development team has great events that allow you to explore other skills.

Cons

I really think your experience can be based on the team you're assigned to, however overall most people want to secretly or openly get out. I was under a manager that micro-managed everything I did- not kidding, I had to write out a plan every day with what I was doing each hour because I wasn't hitting my "numbers." I even had a career coach but they just micro managed me even more so. My manager would send passive aggressive emails to myself regarding my clothing and not being prompt on arrival. It felt like they were more against me than on my side and I know others that felt the same with their managers. It is an exhausting, sweat-shop type environment, where they judge you based purely on numbers. You write your numbers on a board to display if you're doing well or not-oh and it's color-coded (so don't have a lot of red by your name!). They will fire you if you don't hit your numbers- which did I mention are entirely based on if a person you tried to recruit, is used for a project. This role is described as a "research" role however the only research you do is scowering LinkedIn for people to recruit; it more closely resembles a sales role. It is a place you stay for a year max and then leave because they weed people out to find their "all-stars." Also, the work/life balance is horrible. You have to ask your manager for permission to leave even if you've finished your work. Expect your day to be from 8:30-6:00 plus a few hours on the weekend. If you want to move around the company, you have to wait a minimum of a year and even then, you're not guaranteed.

Explore other reviews about GLG

5.0
31 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Amazing people - lots of reviews say that because it's true. You'll work with smart, genuine, hard working humans. Good benefits and perks. Interesting events and opportunities to learn. Overall, a good place to start your career!

Cons

Very fast-paced environment which definitely isn't for everyone. Lots of necessary change.

1.0
14 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good colleagues, arguably a good job post college (for like a year MAX)

Cons

I cannot stress enough how terrible this company is. Spent 5 years there, and watched it go further downhill every year. You leave with only soft skills (if that), and 0 actual industry knowledge. Seriously, you leave only knowing a bunch of Hocus Pocus. I am really surprised this company hasn't been bought yet. Or merged. On my team alone, we lost 7 out of our 9 managers since January... either due to layoffs or them quitting. Pay is low. There are no bonuses and it's very difficult to get a raise. 90k in NYC is poverty. There are bright people that come in with Masters, and PhDs, and MBAs -- handing them 90k is insulting.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All