I worked 12 hour days, weekends, etc. and did a stellar performance in 2013 and guess what I got for it? A crappy Year end review and a crappy AIP? I was given the whole BS routine about the bell curve. I walked out then he started that. Can I assume I will be laid off? My group hasn't been hit yet but I assume it is coming.
Thanks
You're obviously not a rep. Just for stating that you worked12 hrs/day is grounds for termination in my book. As painful as the light of truth might be, the fact remains that the pharma rep job has devolved into one of the lamest jobs on the planet, and trying to convince your CTL (or anyone for that matter) of the vital role and impact you have is a Herculean exercise in BS gymnastics to say the least. That being said, it begs the question, if the rep job has been reduced to irrelevancy, what does that say about the layers of management that oversees this farce?
I worked 12 hour days, weekends, etc. and did a stellar performance in 2013 and guess what I got for it? A crappy Year end review and a crappy AIP? I was given the whole BS routine about the bell curve. I walked out then he started that. Can I assume I will be laid off? My group hasn't been hit yet but I assume it is coming.
Thanks
It was a sign for me. Like you, the low rating wasn't deserved. Most layoffs are planned several weeks if not months in advance. If your manager knew you were on the list to be let go, he would give you a low rating because he would want the people who were going to be there longer to get the better merit raise and bonus
You're obviously not a rep. Just for stating that you worked12 hrs/day is grounds for termination in my book. As painful as the light of truth might be, the fact remains that the pharma rep job has devolved into one of the lamest jobs on the planet, and trying to convince your CTL (or anyone for that matter) of the vital role and impact you have is a Herculean exercise in BS gymnastics to say the least. That being said, it begs the question, if the rep job has been reduced to irrelevancy, what does that say about the layers of management that oversees this farce?
To the original poster-
Likely yes, the low PR is just a step towards the justification required to let you go in the next round.
Is it a guarantee? No, a fees from my group that had low reviews stayed, but are presently living under hellish conditions, had to train others in their job and have been stripped of duties, so the clock is ticking.
While not legal, if you have some years, advanced degrees, higher range for your salary, you are already on the radar.
That said, I was let go in October. Found work again, in pharma and have a VASTLY reduced stress level. Far more pleasant working conditions, and far less drama. And yes, it is at 14% less. And that sucks, but comparing life at Merck to life after, it is worth it.
As before someone talks about eating stress of lunch- I was in SF in the military- a hard day and stress are nothing. Mindless BS, for a management tea that doesn't care or have a clue, deadlines just to create work and a culture of secrecy and demeaning others is something to wear you down.
I do not doubt some are happy at Merck. They have to be. But I can say in a research division, nearly everyone, LSP and LM were miserable.
I would truly like to see someone truly happy with the current direction, pipeline, and workforce practices say they are happy there. If so, they must be a SLT with a golden parachute.
The forced distribution is a killer and unfair. I'm sure you didn't deserve it.
It sucks everywhere, and it's a joke at this point. Keep your head down, don't let it bother you. Like the previous poster stated- Unless you make a lot of $$$ or have been around awhile, you should be ok. Sounds like you work hard for cheap (kidding).
The forced distribution is a killer and unfair. I'm sure you didn't deserve it.
It sucks everywhere, and it's a joke at this point. Keep your head down, don't let it bother you. Like the previous poster stated- Unless you make a lot of $$$ or have been around awhile, you should be ok. Sounds like you work hard for cheap (kidding).
The forced distribution is a killer and unfair. I'm sure you didn't deserve it.
It sucks everywhere, and it's a joke at this point. Keep your head down, don't let it bother you. Like the previous poster stated- Unless you make a lot of $$$ or have been around awhile, you should be ok. Sounds like you work hard for cheap (kidding).
I agree regarding forced ranking. I have no motivation to do anything anymore. Also, I received no indication all year my performance was in jeopardy. I am not sure how to continue working feeling this way. I am planning to start looking but really want my package. I am close to 55 and want that retirement bridge so at least I don't have to worry about insurance. This company has become a nightmare. I went over my bosses head and now my boss is even being meaner and more unreasonable . They really know how to destroy morale. What do they tjink by treating someone low they will become high. My group is already very thin. This was a brilliant move.
You are so right. The forced distribution has decimated Merck. It may arguably be useful as a one-time application. But when repeated year after depressing year, on an ever-dwindling and demoralized workforce, it has become a complete farce. The consequences have been dire. No one will take any risks anymore. No one will go out on a limb and innovate. Doing so means risking failure, which means you will be shoved into that ugly bottom pile.
This is also how Microsoft has been slaughtered in the mobile market by both Apple and Google (Android). No one wanted to collaborate and risk making someone else look better than themselves. Fokks operated in silos, jealously guarding their own secrets and ideas.That's why Ballmer was forced out, and they announced they are dropping their stack-ranking (forced distribution). But the damage has already been done. Android has 80% market shate for tablets/phones. Apple has 16-17%. Microsoft is at 3-4%. Pathetic.
This is what happens when HR and executive leadership blindly follow a plan, while failing to consider the disastrous long-term impact onon its workforce.
Smaller, more nimble companies understand this. They operate in a climate of trust and genuine collaboration. And they reward failure. Yes, you read that right. Failure means someone is trying something new...that may or may not work. No one is going to risk that in Merck's stifling forced-ranking system. Everyone at Merck is watching over their own shoulder, afraid to make even the tiniest mis-step. This, more than any other factor, has turned this once respected company into the sinking ship it is today. Bon voyage.
As a manager here you have little choice but to work in a silo system to protect your people. You can write whatever you want. We do have managers who are fair and just. Some prefered not to work in that silo and were released. This is like the TV show survivor. I don't trust anyone but I do fight for people. You need to mKe things better all alone. It's been this way for years. Making incremental changes behind the curtains. If you talk about changing things, even with the best intentions and ideas you will be shown the door. Seen it at least thirty times
