As an essential business and key manufacturing facility, Covid-19 presented many challenges to Amgen Singapore Manufacturing (ASM). It had to keep operations running, ensure that its 650 staff and external workers are safe, healthy, empowered and engaged, and quickly establish a robust business continuity plan to ensure reliable, uninterrupted supply of medicines to their patients.
Keeping only essential staff to support critical on-site operations 50% of the workforce were transitioned to work from home; ergonomically outfitted for optimal productivity and safety. Allowances were given to offset increased utilities and broadband access. Virtual meetings were managed with consideration for staff well-being. ASM also extended their support to employee’s families through the delivery of 6 rounds of thematic care packs containing essential hygiene, health food, mental wellbeing and family friendly items. To alleviate the burden on staff who are working parents and are supporting aging parents or have children at home-based schooling during Circuit Breaker, virtual activities catering for different age groups such as magic shows, storytelling, balloon sculpting, healthy cooking demonstrations and virtual fitness sessions were conducted.
“..at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was given the option to work from home (WFH) until my delivery to minimize any unnecessary exposure to the virus. Since returning to work, I have been on rotational work pods. This flexibility allows me to spend more quality time with my newborn. My manager also regularly checks-in with me to ensure all is well. There were occasions where I had to take urgent time off, and she was very understanding and reassured me that I could work remotely or take more time off if needed. When back in the office, I was able to nurse comfortably in the dedicated mothers’ rooms which is adequately equipped for nursing mothers.
As a WFH staff, I also benefitted from Amgen’s ergonomics learning and risk assessment program which is complemented with a loaner support program. Upon assessment, ergonomics equipment and furnishings such as monitors, and chairs are delivered and installed at the staff’s homes. I received a hands-free headset that allows me to be more effective in meetings, which interestingly also serves as a great prompter to my kids that mummy is now busy working!
My kids are also having fun with the multiple care packs that Amgen had distributed to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and our loved ones. From hygiene items such as masks, hand sanitizers to family-friendly games and virtual activities, my family had played many rounds of pick-up sticks and Jenga – of which, they are now prized possessions in my daughter’s toy box.
In this challenging year, Amgen has gone the extra mile to support its staff. These gestures took a huge load off me and allowed me to focus on what’s important and to experience the joys of motherhood. Thank you Amgen for being so caring and thoughtful. Amgen’s inclusive culture makes it a Great Place to Work!”
Jermaine Ho Manufacturing Manager, Biologics Manufacturing Amgen Singapore Manufacturing (ASM)
Creating psychological safety: Leaders demonstrated and encouraged empathy and vulnerability. This included sharing their own challenges and adjustments. Employees felt comfortable sharing their personal and professional challenges and asking for what they needed.
Amgen Singapore curated a set of leadership training to better equip leaders with the skills to show vulnerability, have courageous conversations and facilitate virtual team building.
Companies like Amgen Singapore and Micron were considered essential businesses and key manufacturing facilities in their global networks that had to keep on-site operations running while moving a significant percentage of their workforce to work-from-home arrangements.
In support of the community, Amgen donated S$100,000 to The Courage Fund and S$50,000 towards Touch Community Services. ASM also distributed 2,000 care packs to frontline workers in 4 local hospitals.
For the dedicated support of their people and the community, we are proud to rank ASM among the 2020 Best Workplaces of Singapore!
GREAT PLACE TO WORK SINGAPORE
Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Our mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. We give leaders and organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience, fostering cultures that are proven to drive business, improve lives, and better society. Our recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Our proprietary methodology and platform enables organizations to truly capture, analyze, and understand the experience of all employees. Our groundbreaking research empowers organizations to build cultures that retain talent and unlock the potential of every employee. Our coaches, content, and community connect the boldest leaders, ideas, and innovations in employee experience. Since 1992, our Certification™, Best Workplaces™ Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries around the world.
