Diversity In Action

Amgen's inclusion goal reflects its global workforce

The company "taps the power of innovation through more than 20,000 culturally and professionally diverse employees," says the senior HR manager

"Diversity is an important part of Amgen's cultural fabric," Todd explains. "We hire folks from many cultural backgrounds and races, with a broad range of professional degrees and experience. We feel that diversity helps create our unique structure and contribute to our pioneering success."

Experienced engineers with chemistry and biochem backgrounds are in demand at Amgen and throughout the biotechnology industry. "But we also consider other aptitudes, skill sets and engineering specialties like EE, automation and programming."

The company is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action, supplier diversity, and hands-on diversity training for all staffers.

More than 2,500 people participate in Amgen's affinity groups, and Todd notes that more groups are added as an increasingly diverse company culture calls for them.

Local affinity groups hold culture-focused events as well as business-focused seminars and speakers. Todd recalls attending a Black History Month lecture put on by Amen, the black employee network, that drew people of all ethnicities.

The company also sponsors community events. "We have a corporate cycling team that includes scientists, engineers, accountants and others from across the company," says Todd.

In a regulated industry with zero tolerance for error, Amgen's global locations frequently involve interdependent functions. Stateside locations with production biological manufacturing facilities are located in Washington State, California, Rhode Island, Colorado and Puerto Rico. These are where most expansions and staff increases occur.

Todd notes that "The biotechnology industry is hugely complex with distinctive and complicated crossovers of specialized skills and standards. Teamwork helps us advance our scientific breakthroughs, so we frequently place individuals with diverse skills and talents together in multidisciplinary teams."

The U.S-based workforce is 30.8 percent minority and 46 percent female. "Amgen actively participates in a variety of events, conferences and outreach efforts to continue to attract, encourage and inspire a diverse workforce," Todd says. The company also offers a paid internship program, "an excellent opportunity to introduce college students to the biotechnology industry."

As Todd sees it, "Amgen offers a unique, diverse and inclusive work environment, amenities and recreational opportunities at each location. And our innovative biotechnology provides an unmatched opportunity for techies to get on board with a biotechnology industry pioneer."

D/C