Genentech’s Work Culture & Practices

Genentech Recognized

• Ranked No. 1 in 2006 by Fortune Magazine

• Featured on the “Best Employer” list of other Magazine

• Nurtured a Culture that provided its Employees with a great deal of Freedom

• Considered to be a Pioneer in Biotech Industry

Background

• Founded in 1976 by Robert A. Swanson & Dr. Herbert W. Boyer

• 1977 - Produced 1st Human Protein

• 1978 - Cloned 1st Human Insulin

• 1990 - $2.1 Billion merger with Roche Holding ltd.

• Reasons for Genentech’s success

• Collaboration among employees was considered to be the mainstay of Genentech's culture.

• Swanson encouraged an environment of freedom in the company.

• The work culture was informal in terms of dress codes, titles, office space etc.

• Friday afternoon parties acted as a stress buster for employees.

Organizational culture at Genentech

• Genentech provided it’s employees with the opportunities to pursue their career goals.

• Under “Discretionary time” scheme employees can spend 25% of their time on the projects of their choice.

• Researchers were encouraged to present proposals to the top management for budget allocation.

• Genentech also provided learning opportunities to it’s administrative staff.

• The “Administrative professional appreciation day”.

• Conducted employee surveys.

• Introduced several training programs to make it’s employees learn the required skills.

• “Fastracking managers for success” program to ensure that potential leaders become effective managers.

• Employees received 51 hours of training in a year.

• Emphasized it’s motto “In business for life”

Effective Practices• Genentech arranged for lunches

due to which employees got the opportunity to interact with the senior management.

• HR department introduced web casting

• Genentech aimed at developing camaraderie among employees

ex- The weekly ‘Ho-Ho’ were tied to occasions like the Chinese New Year, S.t Patrick’s Day,etc

Employee Award And Recognition• Periodically, Genentech recognized its

scientists & other employees• ‘GenenChecks’ were awarded to teams or

individuals.• Employees were presented with

commemorative T-shirts & anniversary awards.

• Upon major achievement, the company held party in its campus – where even famous artist were called for employees.

• Genentech was known for its egalitarian culture & provided stock options to 95% of the employees under stock purchase plan

• Employees were motivated by the ability to help patients with serious medical needs

Leadership

• The top management at Genentech mostly consisted of scientist. ex: Levinson.– Levinson attended the weekly research review meetings.– Sending quarterly e-mails to all Genentech employees– Levinson contribution –in company’s bad phase.– Focusing on certain key areas such as immunology &

cancer.

• All the top level executives are effective leaders with strong academic background.

‘Diversity in Action’ Plan In 2001, to promote diversity, DIA plan was

formulated.

Genentech's Horizon 2010 plan-‘Diversity Network Association’ an employee group was formed.

‘Genentech Scholars Program’ was launched

in 2000s under DIA plan.

In Jan 2005, four of the company’s employees were named as ‘Diversity Champions’ for their significant contribution to ‘DIA’.

In 2006-Women contributed 50% of Genentech’s workforce(almost 43% of the top management).

43% of the workforce consist of people from minorities in 2005-06.

2006-Fortune named Genentech as one of the most diverse companies in the US.

Human Resource Management

• Rigorous recruitment process.• Created an informal culture in the company.• Encouraged employees to continue their

studies.• Offered programs like

i. Tuition Assistance Programii. Internal Transfer Program

Employee Benefits

• Offered Part Time, Flexi Time & Telecommuting working options.

• 12 paid holidays/year• 3 weeks of paid vacation/year• Working Mother assistance• Child Care assistance• Adoption assistance• Medical plans

Employee Benefits(contd.)

• Income protection plan.• Corporate Bonus Program.• Provided onsite personal banking and flexible

spending accounts.• Super market inside office campus.

SWOT Analysis

• Trust and Respect• Scientific Leadership• Superior Products and Customer Focus• Exceptional People• Frank Interviewer• Teamwork and Collaboration• Open, Direct Communication• Diversity• Informal, Enjoyable Environment

• Grooming scientist at Genentech.• 9000 employees in 2006, but only 1000

number of sales force.• Genentech’s Product marketed by Roche.

• Learning opportunity for administration support staff.

• Meeting of new recruits with top level company executive.

• Scholarship program for employees.

• Pessimistic view of researchers regarding joining Genentech.

• Growing number of competitors.• CEO Raab scandal.• Government regulation.

Ajay Singh Chauhan

Siddarth Singh Tanwar

Amrita Jee

Yogesh Jain

Rachit Sharma

Mayank Basra