DEVELOPING MEDICINES TO fight diseases including osteoporosis and cancer, Amgen also works hard to create a healthy working atmosphere for its staff. It seems to do the job, with employees excited about the future, giving a 74% positive score in our survey. The company's UK staff are based in Cambridge and Uxbridge, and they believe the organisation makes a positive difference to the world (an 81% positive score ranking Amgen 13th). They care about providing a great service (95%) and say the firm is run on strong principles (79%). Employees are happy with their pay and benefits package, earning Amgen a 74% score, ranking it fourth in our list. A clinical research study manager earns an average of £47,160. More than half of the workforce has a salary above £45,000, and everyone is eligible for performance and profit-related pay. People at Amgen feel fairly paid for the work they do compared with those in similar organisations (66%). Maternity leave includes 28 weeks on full pay, and new dads can take three paid weeks off. Other perks include a share option scheme, free private healthcare for employees and their families, dental insurance and life assurance. The company also offers both a non-contributory and a contributory pension scheme. Amgen's "pay for performance" culture means managers have the autonomy to reward hard work. Staff say their managers express their appreciation when they do a good job (73%). While employees are well rewarded for their efforts, they tell us that profit and budgetary concerns are not the only things driving the business (65%). Every year, they can take a day off work to help out a good cause. Staff have got their hands dirty clearing and replanting a patients' garden at a local hospital, and working on a conservation area at a primary school. Amgen's support of worthy causes isn't driven by a desire for good publicity (61%), and the company does its bit to protect the environment (68%). About 70% of waste is recycled and the company also monitors its use of energy. While employees don't feel their new ideas are always valued (a 64% result ranks the company 99th), they say that managers talk openly and honestly to them (79%) and share important information (74%). They also care about job satisfaction (71%) and are good role models (69%). Amgen's management development programme is made up of five key skills workshops which focus on developing and leading a team. Forums which span the UK organisation enable managers to share their experiences and learn from each other, and staff are confident in their leadership skills (74%). www.amgen.co.uk
