Biogen Idec’s success depends on having the right people with the right skills to help us build and advance our pipeline and achieve meaningful results for patients. We are committed to the professional development of our employees and helping them build rewarding careers.
As an organization of high performers, we believe we can continually improve and innovate by providing frequent, timely and candid feedback—up, down and across the organization. In 2011, we introduced new ways to collect and assess performance, including holding employees accountable for demonstrating behaviors that drive our culture of excellence, such as collaboration and creativity. Additionally, we have established expectations for giving, asking for and receiving feedback and simplified the tools and process so managers can focus on performance conversations that matter. To support this transition, we provided trainings to help both managers and employees engage in more transparent and productive conversations about development and performance.
We also offer a number of additional programs to help our employees maximize their potential, including:
Development Planning
Biogen Idec requires all employees to create a development plan to help them drive their professional and personal growth. We provide resources and counseling for managers and employees to use in creating career-development goals. For instance, we offer an online self-assessment tool that helps our employees evaluate their short- and long-term aspirations and corresponding development needs.
Accelerated Development
We offer several accelerated development programs for senior leadership. Our Management and Executive Academy (MAXA) and Directors Development Program (DDP) help our senior leaders hone their management skills. In 2011, we updated the nomination and application process for MAXA and DDP to better link nominations to our talent review process and enable applicants to demonstrate self-awareness of their strengths and development needs. We also designed and launched the DDP Assessment Center, which puts nominees through a rigorous leadership simulation, including 360-degree feedback, to paint a more accurate picture of who they are, how they are viewed and their impact on others.
We also offer an Accelerated Development Program to provide customized support for select individuals taking on new or expanded roles within Biogen Idec. Leveraging executive mentorship, coaching and employee feedback, we believe this program will set these individuals up for success in their new positions.
Clare Dickson Scholarship
Biogen Idec offers the Clare Dickson scholarship to international employees at the administrative level on an annual basis. The scholarship honors the memory of Clare Dickson, a Biogen Idec administrative assistant who passed away in 2007, and her pursuit of higher education by providing financial assistance to help other employees further their education.
Leadership Institute
Our Leadership Institute provides leadership, management and professional learning opportunities to our employees through both in-person and virtual trainings. In 2011, we offered more than 30 different courses, including development planning, project management and managing across cultures, and led more than 210 sessions at our campuses in the United States. Nearly 2,700 Biogen Idec employees attended at least one training session in 2011.
