Avoid This Company! - Senior CHEMIST Arkema Employee Review

1.0
8 Sept 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits, although the pay is mediocre. This company is good place to start a career. Just don't count on being a lifer.

Cons

Nepotism that favors French employees, little chance for Americans to advance far. Working for the company is like being in a Blade Runner movie. They are downsizing the company on the backs of the senior employees. Those over 55 got paid off in the form of packages to avoid age discrimination lawsuits. Those 40-55 are being fired on a routine basis on trumped-up charges, so the company can avoid paying severance and unemployment. The work environment is truly stressful.

Explore other reviews about Arkema

5.0
15 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I really loved working for Arkema. They are a very fair company (sometimes a but too liberal with work/life balance, i.e. taken advantage of) and treat employees very well. The work, although repetitive, was interesting.

Cons

The manager that hired me was great. Then he moved up and I got a manager that "knew everything" and shot down almost any idea I had. His boss was pretty unfriendly and expected miracles in order to promote/give out raises. This is pretty typical of any company, you just wait for bad mangers to move on, or you move on if you can't take it. I moved on.

5.0
1 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people Great opportunities Willing to give more responsibility/grow Good work life balance while also still having good drive at work

Cons

Not a lot of cons, everyone is very understanding and the small office could be a downside for resources, but personally did not find that to be an issue

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