Amgen Is A Bad Place To Work: Poll
6 CommentsBy Ed Silverman // August 16th, 2007 // 7:53 am
In the run-up to Black Wednesday at Amgen, when ceo Kevin Sharer finally acknowledged a crisis by announcing plans to cut up to 2,600 jobs, close facilities and lower Wall Street expectations, a poll was under way at Cafe Pharma, the site where detailers love to dish. The question asked was this: What is your current opinion (of working at Amgen?)
Despite high anxiety over pending layoff rumors, an overwhelming majority responded that Amgen is a better option than other pharma and biotech companies. In noting the trend, one person wrote: “Isn’t it funny how there are more negative posts than positive votes?” Not surprisingly, sentiment changed since Sharer’s announcement late yesterday.
Here are the results, so far, from 189 voters (or you can look at the site):
Amgen is a better option: 48 votes, or 25.4 percent;
Amgen is the same as the others: 22 votes, or 11.6 percent;
Amgen is worse than most options: 57 votes, or 30.2 percent;
Amgen is the worst company I have ever worked for: 62 votes, or 32.8 percent.
A caveat: This poll is far from scientific, folks. And some will tell you that Cafe Pharma is the equivalent of an electronic bathroom wall, where nothing can be believed. We understand, although valid info does circulate there at times. Given the news, such preliminary results aren’t surprising, yes?
Interestingly, Sharer yesterday said the sales force is “sized right” compared with manufacturing, for example, when asked about where most cuts will be made, suggesting sales will be spared. Many sales reps either don’t know about his comment, or don’t believe him. “Do you believe anything KS tells us?” one rep writes. “At one time they are saying no layoffs. Then we have layoffs. Now he is saying no changes in sales force. One thing this company has taught me, no one is safe.”
roccaas
The final paragraph of Ed’s piece is truly the crux of the matter for those of us in the field.
Despite numerous assurances from high level management and mid-level management that sales will not be impacted by these changes, many of us do not believe this palaver.
We expect changes in expense policies, compensation, field force freeze, etc. We are also expecting that “Phase II” of KS’s plans WILL include impact on the sales force.
My heart goes out to all of those who will “transition”, but there is little comfort in that emotion-I know.
Best to all, sometimes the grass is greener…..
Dr Not Mr Evil
First off, I work for Amgen (11 years) in operations and was at risk of being cut. I have seen the company during the days of excess and of course during “the new reality”. In the end I agree with the cuts–this company has been too fat for too long.
As for whether or not to cut the sales force, I agree with the immediate, official line to NOT cut the sales force. The fact is the three major products (ESA’s, G-CSF’s, TNF) are dominant in their respective indications. Combined with the fact that sales positions typically pay well into the six-figures, and I would argue that it is time for those staff to truly earn what they are being paid.
Ultimately, a little competition for the commission dollars is a good thing and should help to keep the bottom-line numbers up for the company.
Dr Not Mr Evil
Thoughts on the poll…how many people actually go out of their way to wax positively about a purchase (e.g. a car), or a trip, or a job, vs those who have not had a good experience. Bad experiences usually tend to breed a desire to lash out and seek revenge. Given an opportunity to speak their mind in a poll, I think results will typically skew to the negative side.
Ed Silverman
Hi Dr. Not Mr. Evil,
You may be right about such polls - the inclincation to carp may outweigh a chance to wax positive. In fact, I often tell people that to live is to complain.
But it was just a temperature reading, given that the issue was so hot at the moment. Clearly, the events of the past few months have many of the sales reps thinking about their situations.
Thanks for stopping by, in any event.
Regards
ed at Pharmalot
amgen employee
This poll is so ridiculous and clearly not indicative of how employees feel about Amgen.
I have followed Amgen for years. Crisis? Billions of dollars and the largest biotech company in the world is in a crisis? I don’t think so.
The fact is Amgen has a lot of money and spends it vare free. They have to just buckle down on execessive spending such as waterfalls…
People are so jealous that the company after 25 years finally has had its first lay off.
wife of ex amgen employee
My husband was recently laid off from Amgen. Their generosity astounds me. Their layoff package was so generous that it would have been foolish for my husband to accept a transfer. They made sure that the family’s needs were met and did not ever quibble over any requests. The HR Representatives were fabulous as well. In fact, the entire time we have been associated with Amgen, I have nothing but great things to say about how well they treated us.