About Optum
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Optum Reviews
Poor management leads to low morale and high stress
04/01/2026 - Dallas, TX
Pros
Under previous ownership (USMD), employees received quarterly raise. No meaningful pros remain under current leadership.
Cons
Widespread favoritism among management. Micromanagement of employees, including work performance and PTO usage. Management does not assist with phones or workload but takes extended breaks and time off during work hours. Lack of accountability for leadership compared to frontline staff. Poor morale and high stress due to inconsistent expectations. One annual raise, if given, is minimal and does not reflect workload or stress. Frequent layoffs without notice, often communicated through sudden meetings. Employees are openly told their jobs are not guaranteed and encouraged to apply elsewhere.
Poor leadership and management at Stafford House Leeds
04/13/2026 - Leeds, England
Pros
The frontline support teams are dedicated, hardworking, and genuinely committed to supporting GP practices. Many colleagues consistently go above and beyond despite difficult working conditions, and there is a strong sense of teamwork among frontline staff.
Cons
As a former EMIS employee now working within Optum, I have been increasingly disheartened by how the organisation appears to be operating. From Director level through Heads of Operational Support to Team Leads, there seems to be a significant gap in leadership capability and accountability. The overall culture often feels unhealthy, with many staff feeling that customer needs do not always receive the priority they deserve.Frontline support teams work extremely hard to support GP practices, but their efforts are frequently hindered by outdated systems, slow innovation, and operational processes that feel inefficient. This creates frustration for staff and makes it harder to deliver the level of service that GP practices expect.Mental health and staff wellbeing are often referenced in communications, but many employees feel that meaningful support is lacking in practice. There is a perception among some staff that concerns about bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour are not always addressed as thoroughly or transparently as they should be. This contributes to an environment where staff morale can suffer.Leadership visibility is limited, and many staff report feeling disconnected from senior management. Heads of Operational Support are sometimes perceived as lacking the management presence or engagement needed to support teams effectively. When concerns are raised, employees may feel dismissed or told that certain matters fall outside their remit, which discourages open dialogue and transparency.There are also concerns among staff regarding operational governance and oversight. Some employees feel that processes around change management and incident handling are inconsistent, and that lessons learned from operational failures are not always communicated clearly. This can create uncertainty and reduce confidence in internal processes.More broadly, there is a perception that financial performance is heavily prioritised, sometimes at the expense of service quality or staff wellbeing. Some staff feel uncomfortable with decisions that appear to place commercial considerations ahead of the needs of GP practices and the wider NHS.At a time when primary care services are under immense strain, it is disheartening to feel that the organisation does not always demonstrate the level of transparency, accountability, and responsibility that many staff believe is necessary when supporting NHS services.Overall, the environment has become increasingly challenging, with many staff feeling demoralised, undervalued, and unsupported. While frontline teams continue to work tirelessly to support GP practices, the culture created by leadership decisions is widely perceived as contributing to stress, frustration, and declining morale.
Worst place i've worked at
04/13/2026 - Dublin, Dublin
Pros
Good colleagues but hamstrung by politics and senior management that would happily step on your shoulders for advancement.
Cons
The worst place i've worked. Extremely political with people who would claim credit for others work and happily push people aside for their own ends. Never worked for a company that talks about 'culture' so much and yet has none. Gaslighting, passive aggressiveness and behaviour that, in a normal company, would have serious repercussions for perpetrators. At Optum, if you're part of the right clique, it gets swept under the carpet. Not all of the company is like this but if you go for a job I would advise you speak to people about the team.
Great Place
04/15/2026 - Dublin, Dublin
Pros
good and diverse projects to work
Cons
some projects could be basic
Great work-life balance, but poor career growth
04/23/2026 - Schaumburg, IL
Pros
Good for coasting with a great work life balance. Still offers remote positions
Cons
Bad for career growth. Company is in a rough spot right now and they can't afford to promote anyone or give anyone raises.
Great company but struggling
04/05/2026 - Minnetonka, MN
Pros
Work from homeWorks independently without being micro-managedWork-life balance
Cons
Job uncertainty Top management heavyOver worked at times with cases
Worst Experience of my Life!
04/08/2026 - Aurora, CO
Pros
The providers and *MOST* of my coworkers in the clinic were caring, hardworking, and dedicated people and the only thing that made working for this money hungry company somewhat tolerable.
Cons
-Management is awful all the way from the top down to the office managers and the favoritism for some employees is brazen and disgusting. -They always put way too much work on their employees until they quit (which is why the turn over rate is sky high). -The pay was way under market value for the in clinic positions. Not to mention the yearly “raises” and “bonuses” are an absolute joke. -They DO NOT listen to their employees feedback at all and do not communicate with the office staff until it’s too late. -The lack of communication and transparency company wide is incredibly frustrating as an employee. -A hard work ethic is not appreciated or incentivized but is instead taken advantage of and the ones doing the least amount of work (the favorite employees) are the ones receiving all the recognition and praise.
Good work balance but low salary
04/12/2026 - Cary, NC
Pros
good work balance , good for fresher
Cons
low salary,but good for family
Great opportunities, but need to return to office
04/22/2026 - Basking Ridge, NJ
Pros
Very good company. Great opportunities.
Cons
Need to encourage return to office.
uggh
04/01/2026 - Eden Prairie, MN
Pros
teammates and my individual team dynamics
Cons
upper management, 4 days a week RTO not being applied fairly across team, little to no room for promotion, wages not keeping up with market, unrealistic AI expectations
No bad
04/01/2026 - Eden Prairie, MN
Pros
The company environment was very welcoming and spacious. They really seemed to enjoy the company of the youthful interns that would come in everyday and bring their bustling enthusiasm. What I loved most is that they reciprocated it so well and always kept their door open for us. The team I worked with was working on a product that had been ongoing for a couple months and had been in a Sprint. I had the wonderful experience and introduction to the role of a tester. They had a few of us scouring their product’s documentation and familiarize ourselves with how exactly every single functionality or page should operate. We’ve met with the UX Lead and he’s lead us with covering all the aspect of design we may be able to offer if and when the chance comes in a given sprint. I was able to have time to talk to the developers of the product in case I had anything of note. I also had the chance to work on my own personal interest like coding challenges.
Cons
The team wasn't that enthusiastic to see folk that much younger than them.
Supportive management but heavy workload and no raises
04/07/2026 - Eden Prairie, MN
Pros
Management and senior management in my area. Psychological safety. Very inclusive.
Cons
Workload, headcount, nonexistent merit increases YoY
Lots of lay-offs
04/08/2026 - Eden Prairie, MN
Pros
Generous PTO and bonuses when the company does well.
Cons
Not a lot of job mobility in the company due to constant reductions of roles.
Okay if you don’t mind having to be a shark
04/28/2026 - Las Vegas, NV
Pros
Most of the providers are nice to work with and they treat you like a person. Lots of flexibility with shifts. Keeps you busy and not bored.
Cons
Management needs work. The lead MAs can be petty and bully you for no reason. They don’t know how to train/teach without making you feel lesser than.
Great benefits and company culture
04/01/2026 - Tampa, FL
Pros
Large company that provides great benefits and support career growth. Company culture supports work life balance.
Cons
Constant shift to hire contractors and offshore roles, which have caused lay offs.

What are popular careers at Optum?
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Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential care to patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. RNs monitor patients and administer treatments.
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Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants support doctors in clinics. They take vital signs and prepare patients for exams. They also handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments.
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Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists dispense medications. They fill prescriptions and ensure patients receive the right medication. They also assist with inventory and other store tasks.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
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Patient Care Coordinator
Patient Care Coordinators manage patient care plans. They work closely with doctors and nurses. They ensure patients receive the right care and follow up on their health.
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Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) diagnose and treat illnesses. They can prescribe medications and order tests. NPs often provide primary care to patients.
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Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications to patients. They ensure the right medication and dosage. Pharmacists also advise patients on how to use their medications safely.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) help patients recover from injuries. They work with physical therapists to develop treatment plans. PTAs assist with exercises and other therapeutic activities.
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Home Health Aide
Home Health Aides provide care to patients in their homes. They help with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. Aides also monitor patients’ health and report to nurses.
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Licensed Vocational Nurse
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) care for patients in various settings. They administer medications and monitor vital signs. LVNs also assist doctors and nurses with patient care.
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Where is Optum hiring?
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Houston, TX
Houston offers a vibrant job market with diverse opportunities. Working here provides a dynamic environment and the chance to grow in a bustling city.
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Eden Prairie, MN
Eden Prairie is known for its friendly communities. It's an excellent place to work, with a balance between a relaxed atmosphere and professional opportunities.
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Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas offers a lively work environment with lots of growth potential. The city’s vibrant energy makes it an exciting place to build a career.
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Worcester, MA
Worcester combines a smaller-city feel with many professional opportunities. It’s a great place for networking and career advancement.
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Boston, MA
Boston provides a rich work environment with numerous industries. It’s a fantastic city for professionals seeking diverse job opportunities.
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Everett, WA
Everett offers a close-knit community with various job options. It’s a great place for those who value both work and a pleasant living environment.
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Seattle, WA
Seattle is known for its tech-driven economy and vibrant lifestyle. It’s an ideal city for career growth and innovation.
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San Antonio, TX
San Antonio provides a warm and welcoming work atmosphere. It’s a city that values community and offers many professional opportunities.
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Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix offers a warm climate and a growing job market. It’s a great place for those seeking a balance between work and a vibrant lifestyle.
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Pearland, TX
Pearland provides a relaxed work environment with plenty of opportunities. It’s a great place for those who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and strong community spirit.
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