Amgen Inc., the California-based bio-pharmaceutical firm, operates 24 hours a day in West Greenwich to produce the drug Enbrel, which treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Knowing that they are making a significant difference in the lives of patients is one factor that makes Amgen one of Rhode Island’s best places to work, says Larry Bernard, senior manager for corporate communications.
“Our mission is to serve patients,” Bernard said. “Having a direct impact on people’s lives is a very motivating factor.”
Employees also enjoy a lavish menu of benefits. All employees are eligible for bonuses and salary increases yearly. The company offers generous medical benefits; benefits for domestic partners and same-sex spouses; flexible hours, job sharing, and telecommuting; an on-site fitness facility, nutritionist, and a subsidized cafe; adoption assistance; tuition reimbursement; and career-development opportunities.
Staff members can enhance their careers through training and development courses offered through Amgen’s Learning Management System.
A work-and-life balance program helps enhance the lives of Amgen employees. The program consists of the transparently named Site Satisfaction team, the Mood Squad champions, the People Development team, and the Trust and Candor team.
Amgen has had a presence in Rhode Island since July 2002, when it acquired Immunex and its manufacturing facility in West Greenwich. The present staff, Bernard said, is a mix of people who were already employed at that site, Amgen employees who moved in from elsewhere and others.
Amgen, Bernard said, works hard at fostering a sense of inclusion for everyone. “If you had a homogenous group, you could not get the diversity of new ways to solve problems.” •
