Does Penguin Random House pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Penguin Random House employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.3 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Penguin Random House . This rating has decreased by 1% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Penguin Random House ?

72% of Penguin Random House employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Penguin Random House 3.7 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.0 for culture and values and 3.4 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Penguin Random House ?

Editorial Assistant (50) , Editor (33) , Intern (29) , Editorial Intern (25) , Designer (21) , Publicity Assistant (21) , Marketing Assistant (20) , Publicity Intern (15) , Assistant Editor (13) , Director (13) , Senior Designer (13) , Manager (12) , Graphic Designer (11) , Marketing Coordinator (11) , Author (10)

What are the pros of working at Penguin Random House according to real employee reviews?

"Great benefit as well as perks" ((in 196 reviews)); "The people were great and everyone wants to help you succeed." ((in 138 reviews)); "Very colourful and vibrant office; has a pulp shelf offering free books" ((in 88 reviews)); "Great team and colleagues" ((in 65 reviews)); "Work life balance is good" ((in 52 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Penguin Random House according to real employee reviews?

"The pay is low and raises are below the inflation rate regardless of company performance." ((in 135 reviews)); "Poor management and can be improved" ((in 29 reviews)); "Lack of diversity and inclusivity." ((in 28 reviews)); "Long hours running into weekends" ((in 16 reviews)); "You can get a great manager and be the happiest on earth." ((in 14 reviews))

What are employees saying about Penguin Random House layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Penguin Random House layoffs and their outlook for job security at Penguin Random House in 2026.

Penguin Random House reviews

3.9

72% would recommend to a friend

(1,189 total reviews)

Nihar Malaviya

81% approve of CEO

70% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

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Penguin Random House has an employee rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 1,189 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 Mídia e comunicação industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

1K reviews

1.0

Sep 1, 2017

Still an Oxbridge Ivory Tower At Penguin Random House UK

Anonymous employee

Recommend

Business Outlook

Pros

Being surrounded by books and some nice people

Cons

There is a lot of talk about diversity and inclusion, and yet they continue to recruit and promote privately educated, Oxbridge 'people like us'. It is incredibly cliquey. There is little cohesion between the Penguin and Random House sides of the business. Bad behaviour by bullying managers is allowed to carry on due to their close relationships with top brass. The place is riddled with personal ambition and internal politics and prejudices. Beware the upper class wolves in sheep's clothing. There is a lot of talk of values but different rules apply for some of the Publishing MDs and the CEO. They can treat people really brutally and there is a lot of gossip and nastiness from the top down.

4.0

Aug 30, 2017

Best Job In 25 Years Of Working

Forklift operator

Recommend

Business Outlook

Pros

Note: My experience is being a weekend driver, which pays well. Bank Holidays Tons Of Paid Days Off (Over 30) No mandatory O.T. Attendance Point System is VERY Lenient Pay is truly competitive Truly feel appreciated if you go there to work hard Large ($1,000 +) surprise bonuses have been happening for past few years

Cons

Raises are probably the biggest sticking point that I can see. They need a merit raise instead of the current system where you struggle just to maintain a cost of living raise for the next year. The 12.5% shift premium that I get is about 4 years of raises. So... if you CAN work a shift that pays a premium, I advise you to push to get a spot in that shift. If you are hired as a driver, you'll have to earn that position. If you do not stay competitive and do your best, you will find yourself working other jobs, much of the time.

4.0

Aug 6, 2017

Digital Marketing

Anonymous employee

Recommend

Business Outlook

Pros

Everyone is very pleasant and enjoys the end product -- there's a real love for reading and literature. Lots of free books and discussion about the latest titles. Great work/life balance, many parents with small kids.

Cons

Challenging to move efficiently on projects, as the culture is quite meeting-heavy and there's a need to get approval from lots of upper managers. Typical of publishing.

Viewing 922 - 924 of 1,189 Reviews

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