On An Upward Curve
Name: Quintiles and Innovex
Area of business: Healthcare/Services
Website: www.quintiles.com
At Quintiles and Innovex, empowering employees to take control of their development is regarded as paramount to both individual development and business success. Globally, the company uses 'Learning Curve', a learning portal that facilitates the growth and development of employees.
The system provides access to thousands of industry-leading and interactive web-based courses and holds electronic versions of all training certificates. Learning Curve, in conjunction with the company's online web-based performance management system, is the main means by which the company identifies the training needs for all employees. It has a number of unique features and functionalities.
"Beyond offering the industry's best training, Quintiles created this learning management system to help employees access and track their career development, so they can focus on work worth doing," says Anne Spring, director of human resources, Quintiles Ireland.
All employee training plans are recorded electronically via employee 'Training Transcripts', held in each employee's Learning Curve account. Managers review these transcripts for their respective line reports on an ongoing basis.
The impact of Learning Curve on the development of employees has been highly effective and efficient, notes Spring.
"Learning Curve fully empowers all employees to take unique ownership of their own professional and personal development. The many features of this superior online tool enable employees to access it 24/7, 365 days per year at a time when it is most convenient to them," says Spring.
"The current economic climate will not alter our focus and ethos towards employee development. We are only as good as our people, so if we are to maintain momentum and expertise we must continue to develop."
Quintiles and Innovex is dedicated to creating dynamic, talented teams that work locally and globally, communicate in an open manner - both internally and externally - and are passionate about what they do.
The company strives to foster a culture of open and candid communication, and encourages feedback and suggestions at all levels within the organisation. It has an open-door approach, and employees are encouraged to work through formal and informal processes and systems to enhance open communication.
"To this end, we have many systems and structures in place to ensure we measure the effectiveness of our communication systems and that these are transparent throughout the organisation," says Spring.
Working groups have been established, which investigate and identify relevant topics, issues and concerns. They also propose recommendations and solutions for onward implementation across the department or company, as appropriate.
Meanwhile, work think-tank sessions are installed at a departmental or company level, and provide an opportunity for operational and project-management groups to conduct detailed project study team reviews.
Also in operation are task-force groups, which essentially look at addressing areas highlighted as part of the company's continuous improvement programme. These groups have proved to be an excellent forum for encouraging open discussion and involvement between management and employees. Suggestions that have been duly recommended and implemented cover areas such as communications processes, work-life balance, and growth and development.
"The Quintiles and Innovex ethos is to have a leadership style that encourages involvement and creates a climate that supports two-way communication. This open approach has instilled a real sense of confidence and trust among employees," says Spring.
As part of its global intranet 'QZONE' it also has a local communications database for Ireland. This site stores company announcements and information that all employees can access. Each department also has its own home page.
The company holds employee well-being in high regard. In June 2008, it introduced a unique corporate well-being programme, Healthy U Healthy Q (HUHQ), in Ireland, which provides employees with the opportunity to avail of the many programme components, wellness plans and benefits on offer. Employees are eligible to receive up to €400 per annum (subject to tax) under the Reimbursement Employee Well-being Programme. Five volunteer HUHQ liaison officers have been appointed, and they work closely with the corporate HUHQ team in the US.
"Employee feedback has been overwhelming regarding the superior well-being plans on offer through HUHQ, and the Reimbursement Programme has been hailed as a resounding success by all employees," says Spring.
Quintiles and Innovex has also put a number of recognition practices in place. Its Work Worth Doing Recognition programme serves to highlight the excellence that exists in all areas across the firm. It provides employees and their managers with a convenient way to reward excellent performance with monetary awards and vouchers from the world's leading retailers. There are five levels of awards: ThankQ; Applause; Special Achievement; Exceptional Achievement; and Distinguished Performance
"The recognition programme contributes significantly to the success of the company and, more importantly, generates a productive, innovative, trusting, engaging and rewarding place of work for all employees. It's a fun and exciting way to show our appreciation to colleagues for their good work - wherever they are," says Spring.
