Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. has set a benchmark for employee development and satisfaction. Recognizing that its greatest asset lies in its people, Teva has strategically invested in professional development to address both internal challenges and external disruptions. This commitment was exemplified during the tumultuous 2020s, which saw significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation.
The Challenge and the Response
The Great Resignation underscored the vulnerability of businesses reliant on skilled professionals. As knowledgeable employees left their positions, they took invaluable skills and tacit knowledge with them. For Teva, a multinational pharmaceutical company, this posed a significant risk to operational continuity and efficiency.
To counteract this, Teva established a robust supply chain academy aimed at developing employees’ skills and knowledge. This initiative was designed not only to enhance career growth but also to create a pipeline of skilled supply chain experts capable of leading Teva into the future. The academy’s focus on professional development was seen as a strategic move to bolster the company’s agility, flexibility, and resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions.
Leveraging ASCM for Excellence
Teva’s commitment to employee development is exemplified by its partnership with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). By integrating the APICS body of knowledge, Teva ensured that its employees had a consistent and thorough understanding of supply chain concepts and practices. This foundation was crucial for aligning the organization’s strategic goals with the capabilities of its workforce.
Initially, Teva piloted the APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) programs. The goal was to train 100 employees in the first year. The enthusiastic feedback from participants led to the permanent incorporation of these programs into the supply chain academy. Over the past four years, more than 400 professionals across various departments have participated in APICS training, with many becoming certified.
Impact on Employee Satisfaction and Business Goals
The APICS programs, including CPIM and CSCP, have been pivotal in enhancing Teva’s supply chain capabilities. The CPIM program focuses on optimizing production and inventory management, improving productivity and profitability. On the other hand, the CSCP program looks at the broader supply chain, aiming to streamline operations and cut costs by enhancing supplier and customer relationships and managing risks effectively.
The success of these programs is reflected not only in the high participation rates but also in the growing interest from employees outside the supply chain field, including those in IT and finance. This cross-functional engagement highlights the broad applicability and value of the APICS training.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Teva’s commitment to continuous learning and development has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Teva Pharmaceuticals received the ASCM Award of Excellence for Learning and Development. This prestigious award recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to productivity and advancement through the application of educational concepts and best practices from ASCM and the APICS body of knowledge.
Looking ahead, Teva aims to continue leveraging its partnership with ASCM to offer enriching development programs for its employees. By maintaining a focus on employee satisfaction and professional growth, Teva is well-positioned to navigate future challenges and achieve its strategic goals.
Teva’s journey underscores the importance of investing in people as a pathway to organizational resilience and success. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and leveraging globally recognized standards, Teva sets a powerful example for other organizations striving to enhance their supply chain operations.
For more details on the ASCM Awards of Excellence, visit ascm.org/awards.
