AbbVie’s people-first ethos continues to set the benchmark

AbbVie Australia is celebrating its 12th consecutive year of certification as a Great Place to Work. This significant milestone highlights the organisation’s enduring commitment to cultivating a people-first culture in one of the most complex and fast-evolving industries.

Acknowledging the achievement, AbbVie General Manager and Vice President Nathalie McNeil, said “We are driven by making a real difference in people’s lives whether that be patients, the customers we serve, our community partners and each other. Our culture is built on the belief that success is not purely defined by what we deliver, but also the paths we choose to take along the way. It is about recognising that results and behaviour are equally as important.”

For McNeil, the consistency of this achievement is as rare as it is rewarding.

“Not many companies can say they have achieved a Great Place to Work certification 12 years in a row and every year since its inception,” she said. “In an industry built on innovation, our culture continues to evolve just as dynamically. Over the past 12 years, through industry change, scientific breakthroughs, and global challenges, our team has shown a resilience and commitment that continues to inspire me.”

As workplaces continue to adapt in the post-pandemic era, employee expectations have shifted dramatically. An inclusive culture requires transparency, accountability, and vulnerability. With organisations embracing remote and hybrid work and a flattened hierarchical structure, it is critical that leaders create space to listen to employees.

Studies show that leaders influence up to 70% of the employee experience, which is why leaders must model open communication and create a high-trust environment where employees are comfortable sharing their concerns.

For Ellen Qiu, General Manager of Allergan Aesthetics ANZ (an AbbVie company), empowering employee voice is central to shaping a vibrant, evolving culture.

“Every time we ask for feedback, we take it seriously and consider it,” said Qiu. “That is something I deeply value about our culture. We are open to learning, we’re not afraid to adapt, and we genuinely want to do better, for our people, our customers and for the business. We are committed to listening and making meaningful progress. That is how we grow, by learning from each other and moving forward together.”

For long-serving employees like Mel Pantano, who joined AbbVie at its inception in 2013 and now leads the Immunology and Specialty Care Value and Access team, the recognition resonates on a personal level.

“I’ve grown so much here, not just in my career, but as a person,” reflected Pantano. “The opportunities I’ve had to develop, contribute to the community, take on new challenges, and work with inspiring and passionate people have shaped the professional that I am today. What really matters though, you’re not just building a career here, you’re making a difference every day.”

That same sentiment is echoed by Franky Prochilo, Head of Marketing and Commercial Excellence at Allergan Aesthetics ANZ.

“I have experienced belief in my potential and it’s the fantastic mentorship along the way that has guided me and provided opportunities that have challenged me to grow. The focus on developing people means I’m not just building a career, I’m creating lasting impact,” Prochilo said.

Looking forward, McNeil’s focus is firmly on momentum, not maintenance.

“What makes me proud is that we are not standing still, we are continuing to learn from each other, to work more closely across teams, and to create a space where honest feedback is encouraged and valued. As we celebrate this remarkable 12-year milestone, we are focused on fostering a workplace where people are supported, enabling us to continue our evolution as a great place to work,” she commented.

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