Science ranks Novartis fifth most respected biopharmaceutical employer

Novartis moved up four positions and now ranks as the world’s fifth most respected biopharmaceutical employer, according to an annual survey published in Science.

October 3, 2005 - Science magazine’s top employers’ survey is one of the most recognized employer rankings in the healthcare industry. In 2005 Novartis improved its overall position by four ranks. Compared to its peer group, Novartis is one of the top employers of choice in Europe for the pharmaceutical industry, and on a global level only two other pharmaceutical companies – Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca – are ahead.

The Science ranking draws on the results of an extensive web-based survey – sent to key researchers in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Respondents were asked to rate companies based on 42 characteristics. This year the six most important characteristics were:

1. Innovation
2. Research
3. Work culture and personal values
4. Respect for employees
5. Vision
6. Loyalty of employees

The high ranking of Novartis predominantly stems from the survey participants’ view that the company is an innovative leader, carries out important quality research and has a clear vision of where it is headed. Results also indicate that Novartis is making improvements in creating an outstanding working environment and is making headway in becoming a ‘best place to work’.