Innovation, diversity is the best medicine for Amgen

WINNING COMBINATION: Amgen has won numerous Best Places To Work designations, thanks to its generous benefits, attention to individual needs and culture of innovation. / Courtesy AMGEN
WINNING COMBINATION: Amgen has won numerous Best Places To Work designations, thanks to its generous benefits, attention to individual needs and culture of innovation. / Courtesy AMGEN

Amgen pioneered the development of novel products based on advances in recombinant DNA and molecular biology, and launched the biotechnology industry’s first blockbuster medicines.
Today, as a Fortune 500 company serving millions of patients, Amgen continues to be an entrepreneurial, science-driven enterprise dedicated to helping people fight serious illness.
The company operates in locations across the globe, including a world-class biomanufacturing facility in West Greenwich, which hums with activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to manufacture Enbrel and Vectibex.
To engage and retain its diverse workforce, Amgen offers affinity groups – associations organized around a primary diversity dimension.
When staffers enroll in Amgen’s medical plan, they and their dependents are covered by its prescription-drug plan, vision plan and a personal-effectiveness program at no cost. In addition to comprehensive care, Amgen provides staff access to nutritional counseling, paid disability benefits equal to twice an employee’s pay and discount mail-order prescriptions.
“The benefits are fantastic,” said Christina Evon, an associate in corporate communications and philanthropy at Amgen.
Amgen also practices a culture of innovation, led by values promoted by the company. “Staff come to work ready to work,” Evon said. “Their ideas are valued. Everyone is encouraged to speak and present their ideas. It promotes a diversity of thought, with everyone bringing something different to the table.”
The bottom line is about helping patients. “In our business, we treat patients, making medicines for those that are grievously ill,” said Evon. “Our staff has patients in mind, all the time.” &#8226

No posts to display