Dealing with Stress the Genentech Way

Background

Genentech, one of the world's leading biotech companies, is setting a standard for well-rounded organizations (About Us : Our Mission and Values). It is evident why Genentech was rated one of the best of 100 companies to work for (Nelson, 2011). Since it is Genentech’s nature to be a problem solver, it would be logical to assume that they’d also apply the same principles to ensure a corporate culture that is beyond reproach.

Founders Dr. Herbert W. Boyer and Robert A. Swanson, as well as CEO Arthur Levinson not only care about the people in need of the life-saving genetic research their companies conduct, they are also equally and genuinely concerned about their employees. Their following mission statement exemplifies who they are:

Our aim as a leading healthcare company is to create, produce and market innovative solutions of high quality for unmet medical needs. Our products and services help to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, thus enhancing people's health and quality of life. We do this in a responsible and ethical manner and with a commitment to sustainable development respecting the needs of the individual, the society and the environment. (About Us : Our Mission and Values)

We must keep in mind that Genentech employee programs may not necessarily work for another company. Each organization must tailor make programs specifically for the needs of their employees. For example, if you have a companywide giveaway, an employee from Wal-Mart may appreciate two tickets to the Phantom of the Opera or season passes to Busch Gardens; however, an employee from Deloitte and Touche may have opted for an all-expenses paid vacation to Aspen. Knowing the employee needs, desires, and motivation should be the starting point for any employee program.

Genentech’s basic management philosophy and key features of its culture set the stage for the company’s concern about their employees’ well-being by allowing the employees to bring out their...