Schering-Plough named in top 50 best places to work in UK

pharmafile | June 20, 2006 | News story | Business Services careers 

Schering-Plough UK has been named as one of best places to work in the country, based on a survey of the company's employees.

Based in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, Schering-Plough UK was placed at 39 in the 2006 survey, the first time the company has taken part in the research.

There are a number of general surveys of UK workplaces, but the 'Best Places to Work' research carried out by Great Place to Work Institute is one of the most authoritative and best established.

In previous years, other pharmaceutical companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly have featured in the top 50, but Schering-Plough is the only major pharma company represented in the 2006 survey.

Cambridge Antibody Technology, one of the UK's leading biotech companies was the only other firm from the sector ranked in the survey, placed at 45.

Management consultancy Bain & Company was placed as the number one company in the survey, with Gore-Tex manufacturers Gore and British Gas Business completing the top three.

The survey is primarily based on employees' perspectives and their responses to an online survey, with the 50 highest scoring companies achieving a ranking.  More than 200 Schering-Plough UK employees provided feedback, which was then compiled into a trust index score used to help determine the company's position on the list.  

Schering-Plough's scores for the five parameters measured by the Trust Index were credibility 77%, respect 73%, fairness 74%, pride 80%, camaraderie 81%. Commenting on the announcement, Gordon Coutts, general manager of Schering-Plough UK said: "This is the first time that we have taken part in the survey and we are thrilled to have been recognised in this way. The fact that the ranking is based primarily on responses to a survey carried out among employees is particularly pleasing. Our people are the heart of our business and we are delighted that more than 78% of our employees think that Schering-Plough is a 'Best Place to Work'."

Employees were equally pleased with the news. Mark Stanley, key account manager with the virology team said: "At Schering-Plough we discuss our career goals and what we want to achieve and those aspirations are supported by the company. The best way I can describe Schering-Plough is that it is a company which supports a partnership between the individual and their manager."

Kathy Green, senior product manager, Caelyx, added: "There is an increasing excitement and buzz in the organisation and there is always an opportunity to shape how we work and to make a real difference.  There is a sense of achievement and pride as we deliver good results and help to build a culture that focuses on people and performance. Schering-Plough feels small and connected, yet big enough to make a difference to our customers and their patients, as well as showing the big companies how business can be done".

The rankings were announced at a special dinner held in London.  Schering-Plough's employees learned about the award when they arrived at work the following morning where 'Best Place to Work' placards had been placed outside their offices.  Celebrations to mark the achievement included a surprise champagne breakfast for office-based staff and a breakfast hamper was sent to all field-based employees.

Schering-Plough UK is among the country's biggest pharmaceutical companies, with IMS Health figures showing it was the 15th largest in terms of sales in 2004.

The company has products across a broad range of therapy areas, with its most notable products including rheumatoid arthritis treatment Remicade, hepatitis treatment PegIntron and cholesterol combination Inegy/Vytorin.

 

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Related links

Great Places to Work Institute 

 

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