Constant State of Flux - Acquisitions Editor Elsevier Employee Review

3.0
May 16, 2012
Recommend
Business Outlook

Pros

* Each group has its own culture, and there are some great, supportive, smart managers in S&T Books * Some groups have opportunities for growth * Pretty solid benefits package

Cons

During four years at Elsevier, the organization was in a constant state of flux. This is a tricky time for book publishing, but the overall strategy of the organization is dictated almost entirely by sr. management for the group and the CEO types in Amsterdam, so editors, publishers, and middle management are constantly shifting direction in mid-sprint. S&T books is experiencing some big changes, and Elsevier is very eager to become an e-content provider. This will mean a lot of layoffs (and attrition) in the next year or more, but potentially also some opportunities for innovators--although don't expect to be allotted resources for innovations.

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5.0
May 11, 2026
Recommend
Business Outlook

Pros

Industry leader Great benefits Incentive trips Invests heavily in its employees

Cons

Processes can be burdensome and clunky at times

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Elsevier Response
3w
Thank you for this balanced and thoughtful review. We're glad to hear that our benefits and investment in people are making a positive impact, those are commitments we take seriously. On the process feedback: Leadership is actively reviewing operational workflows, and the advice to listen more closely to employee feedback is something we're holding ourselves accountable to. If you're open to it, we'd encourage you to bring specific examples forward through your team or people and culture contacts. Change is most effective when it's grounded in the real experiences of the people doing the work, and that means you. Feel free to reach out to us at elseviergdrev@elsevier.com to provide more information Thank you for staying engaged and for caring enough to share this. It matters.
4.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
Business Outlook

Pros

Every direct manager I've had has been excellent: supportive, positive, and trusting me to deliver good work instead of micromanaging. Employees tend to stay, which suggests stability even if not everyone gets promotions or significant raises.

Cons

The pressure to outsource as much as possible, which is common at every publisher, leads to frustration. Because promotions or significant raises seem to be rare, you may be stuck in neutral unless you're very openly ambitious.

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