In the pharma and biotech industries, becoming recognized as a leading employer represents a significant accomplishment. Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers 2024 list highlights companies that excel in creating exceptional workplace conditions, promoting innovation and supporting their employees’ development and well-being.
Compiled from detailed surveys of American workers, this prestigious list provides critical insights into the 600 leading companies excelling in employee satisfaction and organizational culture. The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are prominently featured, with various companies demonstrating their effectiveness in fostering a content and productive workforce.
Let’s take a closer look at the pharmaceutical and biotech companies on this list. These organizations are leaders in financial performance and market presence, as well as in establishing workplace environments that attract and maintain top talent. From progressive employee benefits to diverse and inclusive workplaces, these top employers in pharma and biotech set the benchmarks for the industry. We will examine what distinguishes each of these companies in the sector.
1. Novo Nordisk (Rank 1)
Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare entity, was established in 1923 with its headquarters in Denmark. Employing over 64,000 individuals across 80 offices worldwide, the company distributes products in 170 countries. With ten R&D centers spanning five nations (China, Denmark, India, the UK and the US), Novo Nordisk concentrates on combating severe chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and growth disorders, which afflict millions globally and pose significant health challenges.
Continuously prioritizing employee development and internal mobility, Novo Nordisk offers its workforce not only opportunities for personal growth but also the chance to positively impact the lives of millions grappling with serious chronic illnesses.
2. Amgen (Rank 15)
Amgen, headquartered in California, is a leading biopharma company renowned for its focus on innovative medicines, transformative research and advanced biomanufacturing. Pioneering biotechnology since 1980, Amgen has emerged as one of the world’s foremost independent biotech firms, impacting millions of patients worldwide and fostering a pipeline of groundbreaking medicines.
With a workforce exceeding 24,000 individuals, Amgen operates six R&D facilities worldwide and maintains a presence in approximately 100 countries and regions. Amgen is committed to assisting employees at all levels in building and enhancing the skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of the business and progress into new roles.
3. Takeda Pharmaceutical (Rank 86)
Takeda Pharmaceutical, based in Japan, is dedicated to discovering and providing life-changing treatments across key therapeutic and business domains, encompassing gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines.
Established in 1781, Takeda has expanded its presence to approximately 80 countries, boasting a global workforce of over 49,000 employees and holding leading positions in both Japan and the US. Noteworthy for its strong, diverse team, Takeda fosters a collaborative working environment where employees are empowered to respond effectively to patients’ needs.
4. Johnson & Johnson (Rank 173)
Johnson & Johnson, headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a renowned American multinational corporation specializing in pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. Established in 1886, Johnson & Johnson boasts a global workforce exceeding 150,000 individuals who aim to revolutionize health outcomes worldwide.
Always on the lookout for individuals with talent, drive and a passion for making a meaningful impact on the future of health, Johnson & Johnson has been consistently recognized for its excellence. For the 22nd consecutive year, Fortune has honored Johnson & Johnson as a Top 50 All-Star on its list of the World’s Most Admired Companies, with the company securing the second spot on the Pharmaceutical Industry list this year.
5. Thermo Fisher Scientific (Rank 176)
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a leading American provider of analytical instruments, life sciences solutions, specialty diagnostics and laboratory services in the pharma and biotech sectors. Established in 1983, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. employs over 120,000 individuals globally across its various segments: Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics and Laboratory Products and Services.
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers diverse career pathways at over 600 locations across the Americas, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Employees collaborate in accordance with the company’s 4i Values — integrity, involvement, innovation and intensity — to cultivate diversity in engineering, technology, science and business.
6. Sanofi (Rank 181)
Sanofi is a prominent French multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare corporation with headquarters in Paris, France. Established in 1973, the company now operates in approximately 100 countries and boasts a global workforce of over 91,000 employees.
At Sanofi, employees are empowered to navigate their career trajectories by leveraging opportunities to transition between functions, locations and various projects before advancing to the next stage in their careers. Moreover, the company fosters a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, with over 50 local employee groups dedicated to championing these values, ensuring that the organization harnesses the full spectrum of talent and perspectives available.
7. Roche Holding (Rank 203)
Roche, established by Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche in 1896, has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. As a multinational healthcare company, Roche operates globally through two divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics.
With a workforce of over 103,000 individuals collaborating across more than 150 countries, Roche consistently earns recognition as an employer of choice, both from its employees and external institutions. The company provides diverse opportunities in R&D, manufacturing, digital technology, business strategy and marketing. Roche fosters a culture of high performance and acknowledges employees for their valuable contributions to its success.
8. Bristol Myers Squibb (Rank 207)
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is a leading American multinational pharma company headquartered in New York. Renowned as one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical entities, BMS specializes in treatments for oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular diseases. Established in 1887, the company now operates globally, boasting a workforce of over 30,000 employees.
BMS offers its employees diverse and promising opportunities across various therapeutic areas, driving the development of groundbreaking therapies that positively impact lives. The company places utmost importance on the health, safety, professional growth, work-life balance and equitable, respectful treatment of its employees.
9. Merck & Co. (Rank 208)
Established in 1891, Merck & Co., Inc. has evolved into an American multinational pharmaceutical powerhouse, now headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. With a global workforce exceeding 68,000 individuals, Merck delivers innovative health solutions through a wide array of medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products.
Recognized as one of the world’s premier companies in 2023 by Times, Merck offers diverse opportunities in R&D, manufacturing, medical affairs, business, clinical and engineering fields. The company’s rewards and recognition programs are designed to empower and support talent globally, both professionally and personally.
10. Pfizer (Rank 216)
Pfizer is a renowned American multinational biopharma company, headquartered at The Spiral in Manhattan, New York City. Established in 1849, Pfizer now boasts a global presence with a workforce of around 88,000 employees. The company’s success is propelled by its diverse global talents, operating across various domains such as R&D, manufacturing, biopharma, logistics, supply chain management and medicine.
Pfizer not only attracts the best and brightest minds but also provides talented individuals with the opportunity to forge impactful careers. Pfizer colleagues collaborate across internal medicines, inflammation and immunology, rare diseases and oncology on a daily basis within a uniquely cohesive global community, making a profound impact on millions around the world.
To have your company featured on Xtalks, please email Vera Kovacevic, PhD, at: [email protected]
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