Together, we are all part of a vital chain

In 2024, Octapharma continued to build on the successes of its strategic ambition to remain an employer of choice in the highly-competitive pharmaceutical industry.

Reflecting on the company’s progress, Fany Chauvel, Group Vice President of Human Resources at Octapharma, remarked: “Our employees are our greatest strength, and we have embarked on a continuous journey to empower them further. In 2024, we doubled down on our efforts to ensure Octapharma remained a place where people can thrive, innovate and build fulfilling careers.”

On-board prior to day one

One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the refinement of Octapharma’s career mapping and lifelong learning programmes, which provide employees with clear pathways for growth. These programmes enable individuals to continually skill up and advance within the company, and are crucial to align roles and responsibilities. “By investing in our people’s long-term professional development, we not only manage to retain top talent but also ensure that our teams remain agile and equipped to meet the demands of our evolving industry,” explains Fany.

2024 also saw the global rollout of new digital HR tools that have streamlined recruitment, aligned onboarding, and improved employee feedback processes. This digital transformation has helped Octapharma maintain a cohesive global workforce while promoting transparency and efficiency across all levels of the organisation. “As our company grows, it is crucial to refine our onboarding procedures to ensure that new hires and leaders integrate seamlessly,” says Fany.

A well-executed pre- and onboarding process not only introduces new employees to the company culture but also lays the foundation for a supportive work environment. Fany highlights the importance of consistency in these processes: “By aligning our onboarding practices and introducing a pre-boarding approach across all locations, we ensure that new employees feel supported and part of the team, regardless of where they join us. This strengthens our culture and sets the foundation for long-term success.”

Studies show that a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and increase productivity by over 70%. Such effective onboarding helps employees connect with the company’s vision and values from day one, reduces the learning curve, and enables new hires to reach full productivity 50% faster. Furthermore, companies that enhance their onboarding experience report a 50% increase in employee engagement.

Development as part of the DNA

With the global pharmaceutical industry projected to grow by 5% annually over the next five years, competition for skilled professionals is expected to intensify. To address this, in 2024 Octapharma has introduced programs, such as the International Early Career Programme (IECP), aimed at nurturing talent and fostering long-term career growth.

The IECP programme offers longer-term contracts and targeted development opportunities. As Wolfgang Hofmann, Group Director of Learning & Development, notes, “We are committed to shaping future leaders at Octapharma by building a diverse pipeline of professionals, ensuring the company’s sustained success.”

He further emphasises: “Fostering career development is a crucial link that connects individuals to our organisation’s broader mission.” Indeed, learning and development (L&D) programmes have significantly enhanced employee growth and motivation across various sites.

At Octapharma Springe in Germany, the L&D portfolio offers a wide and diverse range of opportunities, spanning leadership training and individual coaching to specialised initiatives such as the Female Leadership Academy, which supports women’s leadership development and promotes diverse representation at all levels.

Another standout initiative is the “Train the Trainer” programme in Octapharma Stockholm, which equips instructors to effectively share knowledge with new colleagues. Likewise, Octapharma Vienna offers various learning and development activities, including leadership training, self-management programmes, and tailored training for specific roles.

Values through diversity

“Everybody has strengths and weaknesses,” says Mads Anderson – Group Director of HR Transformation – who who moved to the HR team from a Project Management position. “Some of these differences are visible, and some are not, but accepting and appreciating different abilities helps us build teams that are much stronger - which is enriching and positive for everyone.”

Octapharma views diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as crucial elements of its organisational culture. As Mads explains: “They strengthen our culture, drive innovation, and enhance outcomes for patients globally.” By embracing diverse perspectives, our company fosters fresh ideas and challenges traditional thinking. Research supports this approach: companies with more diverse management teams tend to see higher revenues from innovation.

“Ultimately, Octapharma is dedicated to creating a future where every employee feels seen, heard and valued. By prioritising diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our culture, we invest in our people’s success, happiness and fulfillment, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive,” states Fany Chauvel.

As part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, Octapharma Stockholm recognises Pride Month every year. “We embrace diversity and inclusion, recognising the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ community,” says Charlotte Jernbom, Head of Human Resources, Octapharma Stockholm.

Fany Chauvel underlines that, at Octapharma “we're more than just a team; we support each other in our vision to provide new health solutions advancing human lives.”

This family-owned company blends an intimate atmosphere with the resources of a large organisation, leveraging diverse abilities to foster a culture of togetherness. Everyone at Octapharma understands the significant impact that their work can have on millions of patients and their families around the world. As Fany Chauvel says: "We believe in the power of hope as we pursue our important vision. We are all part of a vital chain."