OFFICE PARTY

Medical Marketing and Media, Sep 2008 by Lewis, Tanya

Frazier says a higher sense of purpose, individual impact, and business results are all important in retention.

"HR is categorized as the soft side of business, yet you can translate the direct business impact of so many things we do," he explains. "Ninety-seven percent of employees saw a correlation between their work and the company's mission. That's incredibly powerful. It translates to sustaining improved business results. If it's a mission that has higher sense of purpose, everyone gets behind that in an even stronger way. Employees need to see impact on people living with disease as well as positive business results."

Novo Nordisk hired more than 1,000 people last year, and 60% came from employee referrals. "When your workforce is in line with your mission, they invite friends, competitors, and colleagues to come and work for us," Frazier says.

Gratton agrees that, ultimately, mission and vision keep people happy. "We're trying to improve patients' lives at the core of what we do," he says. "We want employees to feel part of that and that the company has a vision for it. Ignite's purpose is to do something remarkable. We're innovative for the purpose of accomplishing a greater vision. A mass of energy can be created in a strong vision that far outweighs peaks and valleys of the company. If someone has a bad week, they can say, ? still believe in this vision and this leadership.' Inspiration we all need has to be part of the company's vision."