Regeneron has come top in Science magazine’s 2014 listing of top 20 employers for the third year in a row, ahead of Novo Nordisk and Roche subsidiary Genentech.
The survey – based on 5,394 responses from readers of Science and employees in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry – revealed that those in the top 20 typically showed very low staff turnover rates and gave their scientists “the intellectual freedom and support necessary to pursue high-risk/high-reward goals.”
Adding “a noble mission” means that employers can create a “positive feedback loop that maximises employees’ drive and dedication as well as company profits,” it continued.
Companies were ranked according to six key characteristics, namely: innovative leader in the industry; treats employees with respect; has loyal employees; is socially responsible; work culture values aligned; and makes changes needed.
| 2014 rank | 2013 rank | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| 2 | 11 | Novo Nordisk |
| 3 | 2 | Genentech |
| 4 | 3 | Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated |
| 5 | 5 | Eli Lilly and Company |
| 6 | 14 | Monsanto Company |
| 7 | 4 | AbbVie |
| 8 | 16 | Roche – excluding Genentech |
| 9 | 13 | Syngenta |
| 10 | 10 | Biogen Idec |
| 11 | 8 | Novartis |
| 12 | 18 | Abbott |
| 13 | 9 | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| 14 | – | Actelion |
| 15 | 17 | Celgene Corporation |
| 16 | 20 | Bayer |
| 17 | 12 | DuPont |
| 18 | 19 | Amgen |
| 19 | – | Johnson & Johnson |
| 20 | – | Merck KGaA/Merck Serono/EMD Serono |
Respondents indicated that being an innovation leader was the most important driver in choosing companies, but this year’s survey also revealed that employees want to work for a company that “holds itself to a high ethic,” according to Science.
Regeneron chief executive Leonard Schleifer put the award down to “incredible, dedicated employees who have an unparalleled commitment to turning science into medicines that will help people with serious diseases.”
Novo Nordisk shot up the rankings this year from 11th in 2013 to take the number two slot, scoring highly on employee respect, low staff turnover and social responsibility and the company also attributed its success to a willingness to take greater risks in research and development.
Genentech slipped a place but still scored well on innovation leadership, treating employees with respect and having a clear vision. The remaining companies in the top 10 were Vertex, Eli Lilly, Monsanto, AbbVie, Roche Syngenta and Biogen Idec.
Commenting on other notable results, Science magazine said that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) reappeared at number 19 on the list after a four-year absence, while Swiss biotech Actelion also made the cut for the first time coming in at 14.
Three-quarters of responses were received by current employees of a company, with two thirds of those employed in the industry for 10 years or more.