Industry Spotlight: Putting People First in Pharma

The pharmaceutical industry stands at a defining moment. With regulatory pressures mounting, new technologies reshaping research, and competition accelerating, pharma organizations are under immense pressure to innovate – and to do it fast. Yet behind every breakthrough drug or scientific discovery lies the same foundation: people.

Our new industry guide, Culture Shift: Putting People First in Pharma, explores how the industry can overcome its most pressing challenges by creating a culture that empowers and connects its workforce. The guide lays out a clear framework – the 4-Point Pharma Solution – for organizations to strengthen communication, purpose, innovation, and internal growth.

The challenges reshaping the industry

There are profound shifts happening across pharma today. From regulatory roadblocks to technological transformation, the pressures are complex and interlinked.

Global regulations and cost-control measures – such as the US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – are redefining pricing and reimbursement models. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions and the steep cost of adopting new technologies like AI are forcing organizations to rethink how they operate.

But perhaps the greatest challenge is human. The sector is grappling with widespread staffing struggles – layoffs, skills shortages, and what we call a “knowledge transfer crisis” as experienced workers retire without successors ready to take their place. 

On top of that, many employees feel limited by a lack of internal mobility and unclear career paths, leaving them frustrated and disengaged.

Even as AI promises to revolutionize drug discovery, many pharma professionals are more concerned about keeping pace with AI adoption than losing their jobs to it. The real question isn’t whether to embrace technology – it’s how to do so in a way that empowers people instead of overwhelming them.

The 4-Point Pharma Solution

To navigate this complex landscape, our guide proposes a people-first framework focused on creating a culture of innovation excellence – one where employees feel informed, inspired, and invested in the company’s mission.

1. Clear the airwaves

Transparent, two-way communication is essential – especially in times of uncertainty or restructuring. Leaders who communicate clearly and consistently help build trust, align teams, and foster a sense of belonging. Our guide emphasizes creating open channels for dialogue, where employees can share feedback, ask questions, and feel heard.

2. Be intentional about purpose

Pharma employees are driven by a powerful mission – to improve and save lives. But amid the day-to-day pressures of compliance, research, and regulation, that sense of purpose can get lost. Our guide calls for leaders to reconnect teams to their shared mission and to recognize the life-changing impact of their work, helping rebuild pride, morale, and the industry’s wider reputation.

3. Embrace workplace innovation

The future of pharma depends on how technology is introduced, not just what technology is used. Instead of seeing new tools as top-down mandates, our guide urges companies to make tech adoption collaborative. Employees should be trained, supported, and given a single hub to access information, helping them embrace change confidently and productively.

4. Look inward to go upward

Finally, our guide advocates for a skills-based approach to recruiting and development. By focusing on employees’ ability to learn and adapt, organizations can open new career pathways internally and reduce talent loss. Mentorship programs and targeted upskilling not only retain valuable knowledge, but also build a culture of continuous growth and innovation.

The takeaway: People power progress

While technology plays a pivotal role in the industry’s evolution, our guide makes it crystal clear: pharma's success depends on how its organizations empower their people. 

Putting People First in Pharma is a call to action for leaders to build cultures where employees feel informed, inspired, and empowered to shape the next generation of healthcare innovation.

Download the full guide today and discover how your organization can turn culture into its most powerful competitive advantage.