It’s a new era of talent acquisition for the life sciences
How the pharma industry is balancing diversity, equality, and culture to attract the best (1,070 words, 5 minutes)
The Covid-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped talent acquisition and retention tactics in the pharma industry, highlighting the growing importance of strategic talent management to maintain a competitive edge. Companies including Sanofi, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson have revamped their strategies to adapt to the new reality.
Sanofi’s talent acquisition and retention plan—the Play to Win strategy—emphasizes fueling employees’ passion, fostering inclusivity, and promoting innovative work practices. Also critical to this approach is talent development, which is marked by introducing a new leadership framework outlining essential skills and behaviours such as leadership training, leveraging employees’ diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity, and fostering innovative work practices.
As part of its talent management strategy, Sanofi focuses on identifying and nurturing talent pools for pivotal roles, employee well-being, empowering female executives, and paying specific attention to the next generation of leaders by deploying fast-track programs for their accelerated development.
Pfizer’s talent retention initiatives focus on investing in people, recognizing that a diverse and highly skilled workforce is crucial for driving innovation. On their European Union website, Pfizer underscores the importance of engaging and inspiring the next generation of talent, mainly by providing increased opportunities for women in STEM fields. The company also notes that post Covid-19 lessons have reinforced the necessity of investing in robust and diverse talent pipelines through continuous education and supportive work environments. Pfizer has also implemented Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs) to help employees create an inclusive environment where they can connect and develop professionally.
Johnson & Johnson’s talent strategies prioritize attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce globally. According to their website, the company believes that fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment is paramount in retaining top talent. Initiatives such as the Re-Ignite program support professionals returning to work after career breaks and efforts to hire military veterans. In 2023, the company launched the “J&J Learn” program as part of its employee retention initiatives.
In an interview with Senior Executive magazine, Chief Learning Officer Sandra Humbles said the program focuses on personalized learning experiences tailored to individual interests, values, and skills assessments. It employs AI-driven recommendations to guide employees in accessing relevant learning materials, suitable mentors, and real-world opportunities.
THIS WEEK 05/14/24
Takeda Canada announced it has completed negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance for a Letter of Intent for maribavir (Livtencity) to treat adults with a post-transplant cytomegalovirus infection/disease who are refractory to one or more prior antiviral therapies.
Pendopharm, a division of Pharmascience Canada, renewed its distribution agreement with Anika Therapeutics for Cingal, Monovisc, and Orthovisc, all indicated for pain relief, until the end of 2030.
The U.S. FDA approved Lupin’s Abbreviated New Drug Application to market midostaurin capsules as a generic equivalent to Novartis’ Rydapt.
Medtech Canada appointed James Brodie of Johnson & Johnson MedTech as Chair of the Medtech Canada Board of Directors.
LISTEN UP
In season 12 of the NPC Podcast, Jaclyn Katelnikof, a Saskatchewan-based Pharmacist, gives insights into the pharmacist's patient-facing role, the need for tech innovations in pharmacy, and the threats to the Canadian drug supply. Hear her in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Suzanne McGurn
President and CEO
Canada’s Drug Agency
Ottawa
Season 03, episode 03
Listen to this episode here
CADTH has been central to Canada’s drug access system. So, how do you think this new Canadian Drug Agency (CDA) will affect CADTH? (This episode was recorded in February of 2021)
From my experience here in Canada, I can say that we are unique compared to some other jurisdictions. We are somewhat difficult to understand from an end-to-end perspective. I think there’s been a lot of work that’s been done, which is good. We’ve improved things, and there’s been a lot of work on alignment and greater cohesiveness across the country, but more must be done. Whether we create a new agency or continue working on aligning and harmonizing our current systems, we must make improvements wherever we can. I don’t think harmonization and improvement need to wait for a Canadian Drug Agency.
From CADTH’s perspective, I would say that we’re known for our expertise, experience, and relationships. Our goal would be to continue to be a trusted organization that provides evidence, skills, and analysis. We’re here to be able to assist with that work and want to see ourselves continuing to be an important player in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Register now for the NPC Spring Webinar on Pharmacare
🔔 Upcoming Webinar: National Pharmaceutical Congress Spring Webinar on Pharmacare – May 29 🔔
Topic: Unpacking Bill C-64: Myths, Realities, and the Future of Canadian Pharmacare
As Canada buzzes with discussions on the proposed national #Pharmacare program, join us for a crucial session to demystify the complexities surrounding Bill C-64. This is your chance to dive deep into the critical issues at the heart of this national debate.
What to Expect:
Expert Panel Discussion: Hear from leading experts who will explore the pressing concerns related to drug shortages, their impact on workplace benefits, and the pharmaceutical industry: Dr. Mihai (Mike) Csaki of the Council for Continuing Pharmaceutical Education, patient advocate Zal Press, lawyer Eileen McMahon of Torys LLP, and consultant and board member Pamela Fralick, former president of Innovative Medicines Canada—Médicaments novateurs Canada.
- Fact vs. Fiction: Gain clarity on the myths and realities of how a national pharmacare program could reshape healthcare in Canada.
- Comparative Insights: Learn from existing universal drug plans to understand the potential outcomes of the proposed policy.
Interactive Q&A Session: Our panellists will answer your questions in real-time. This is your chance to voice your concerns and get direct feedback from healthcare leaders. The moderators are Mitchell Shannon of Chronicle Companies and Ben Parry of The Pangaea Group. The NPC Institute organizes the event and background research.
📅 Date: May 29, 2024
🕒 Time: 11:00 a.m. EDT
📍 Location: Online – Join from anywhere!
This free webinar is a must-attend for healthcare life sciences managers and executives, policymakers, industry experts, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare in Canada. Whether you support the bill, oppose it, or seek more information, this event will provide valuable insights into one of the most significant healthcare reforms under consideration.
✅ Register now to secure your spot.
👥 Please share this event with colleagues and anyone who might benefit from this critical discussion.
NEXT WEEK
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