Boehringer Ingelheim and Takeda set the bar high in workplace excellence

Boehringer Ingelheim and Takeda have been recognised as leading employers, each earning accolades that reflect sustained investment in people, culture, and workplace excellence.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Top Employers Institute has certified Boehringer Ingelheim as a Top Employer in both Australia and New Zealand. Takeda, meanwhile, has been certified by Great Place to Work, building on a proud tradition spanning the past nine consecutive years.

While both accolades signal excellence, they are based on distinct evaluation frameworks. The Top Employers Institute assesses HR best practices and talent management strategies through data-driven analysis, benchmarking policies and outcomes across six HR areas. Great Place to Work, on the other hand, centres on employee experience and trust, using its proprietary Trust Index survey to measure perceptions of leadership, pride, and camaraderie as the core pillars of a strong culture.

Lisa Price, Head of Human Resources ANZ, highlighted Boehringer Ingelheim’s people-first philosophy, saying “In 2025 our Australian and New Zealand footprint grew to more than 400 employees, and we see them as the beating heart of our organisation. Every employee has access to programs and groups that ensure their health and wellbeing are looked after, and over the past 12 months we have had a real focus on psychological health, which we know to be as critical as physical safety.”

The company’s wellbeing program is designed to support the whole person, encompassing physical and mental health, as well as social and financial wellbeing. A dedicated cross-functional team co-creates meaningful offerings and activities, enabling employees to bring their best selves to both work and life. In parallel, Boehringer Ingelheim Australia and New Zealand has recently intensified its efforts to embed psychosocial safety across all aspects of its operations.

“We’re proud that Boehringer Ingelheim Australia and New Zealand is taking extensive action to manage psychosocial risk. In 2025 we were recognised as a Skilled Mental Health First Aid Workplace, we undertook a psychological safety audit and developed a framework which we are using to build a plan for our future to foster a culture of care,” Price continued.

A cornerstone of this approach is the Mental Health First Aiders initiative, which has empowered more than 30 trained volunteers across Australia and New Zealand to act as accessible, compassionate peers. These Mental Health First Aiders play a critical role in identifying early warning signs of mental health challenges, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, and ensuring mental wellbeing is treated with the same urgency as physical health. While not a substitute for professional care, they provide immediate support and guide colleagues to appropriate resources, helping to break down the silence that often surrounds personal struggles.

“Being recognised as a Top Employer is a reflection of Boehringer Ingelheim’s people-first philosophy, building a culture where every individual feels safe, supported, and empowered to bring their best self to work,” Price reflected.

At Takeda, culture is built on the belief that when employees feel safe to speak up, are included in decision-making, and are supported by their leaders, collaboration improves and patient outcomes remain front of mind. According to the latest survey results, 83% of employees say it is a great place to work, compared to 60% of employees at a typical company in Australia.

Jenn Jones, Head of HR and DE&I Chair Oceania, said the recognition holds particular meaning.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s driven by the voices of our people. It’s the everyday gestures; a genuine ‘how can I help?’, a teammate cheering your achievements, or the confidence to speak up and know you’ll be heard that truly define our culture,” Jones explained. “These moments of trust and support are what set Takeda apart, and we’re proud to keep listening, learning, and acting on what matters most to our colleagues.”

Takeda’s people strategy is shaped by a holistic approach that prioritises flexibility, wellbeing, and continuous growth. The company said it offers adaptable ways of working and benefits designed to support employees at every stage of life, while its recognition as an Advanced Workplace by Mental Health First Aid Australia reflects its strong focus on health and wellbeing through a wide range of resources for employees and their families. Alongside this, Takeda invests in learning and development opportunities that build capability, inspire ambition, and accelerate career progression.

Dave Pearce, General Manager of Oceania, said “I want to recognise the contribution our teams make every day. I am extremely proud of what we are achieving in Australia and how that delivers value to patients. This is grounded in our values and in how we support each other, so people can do their best work and keep growing.”

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