What it's like to work at Banco Santander, S.A.

Based on information found online, Banco Santander employs over 10,000 workers globally and maintains an overall employee rating of about 3.8 out of 5 stars, with roughly 68% to 71% of reviewers saying they would recommend working there to a friend.

Employee feedback highlights a mix of internal experiences. On the positive side, staff frequently point to strong team camaraderie, a supportive atmosphere, and robust training programs. Internal initiatives like the "BeHealthy" program—which saw over 64,000 employee participants in 2024 across physical and financial well-being pillars—and the "MyContribution" performance review model aim to support staff wellness and meritocracy. Inclusion scores are also notably high internally, with employees rating statements about being able to be themselves and having equal opportunities at 8.9 out of 10.

However, workplace realities vary widely by role and department. While some employees report friendly management and a good work-life balance (rated around 3.4 to 3.7 out of 5 depending on the category), others note significant internal friction. Reported challenges include a chaotic strategy accompanied by layoffs, outdated internal systems, intense pressure to prioritize sales over customer service, and senior management dynamics that some reviewers describe as toxic. Career opportunities average around 3.6 to 3.7 out of 5, reflecting a structured environment where experiences can differ sharply depending on the team and business line.