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
 Organizational culture at Genentech
• 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.
• 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 Program
ii. 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 Siddarth
Chauhan Singh Tanwar

Amrita Jee

Rachit
Yogesh Jain
Sharma

Mayank
Basra