Galenika’s Example: Unlocking the Professional Potential of Employees
We spoke with Olivera Zdravković, Director of the Human Resources Sector at the pharmaceutical company Galenika, about what it means to be a good employer today, why continuous investment in education is essential, which professional profiles are in demand in this industry, and the role of women in both the industry and Galenika.
This year, Galenika marked its 79th anniversary, and in honor of this milestone, it launched a campaign dedicated to its employees. In your opinion, what are the key factors for the longevity and resilience of a company?
In the case of Galenika, there are several important factors that together have ensured its longevity and resilience. First and foremost, I would highlight the importance of employees and their motivation. It is a team of responsible and competent people who, through their knowledge and experience, continuously contribute to product quality and the development of the organization. Their expertise is invaluable to the company’s success. The long-standing tradition and experience have built a strong brand and the image of a stable and reliable company, which significantly influences the trust of clients, partners, and employees.
It’s also important to mention flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to changes in the environment, adapting and being ready for improvements and innovations. Galenika is recognized for many products, but it constantly expands its portfolio, both in Serbia and in other markets where it operates. The combination of tradition and fresh ideas results in successful business ventures and outcomes.
With good leaders managing the company, all employees have a clearly defined vision, thanks to their mission and behaviors in line with the company’s values.
What types of employees are needed in the pharmaceutical industry, and how diverse is the work environment?
Since this is the pharmaceutical industry, the most common professions are those related to pharmacy, medicine, chemical technology, and similar fields, but there are also others such as economics, engineering, management, etc. What defines Galenika is definitely diversity and inclusion. We have been around for 79 years, with approximately 800 employees from different generations and profiles, and in addition to our country, we operate in 25 international markets. Gender equality is represented, we respect different opinions and personal preferences, and everyone comes together around shared company values. Some positions are more procedural, while others rely more on creativity in everyday tasks. We strive to select people in a way that aligns their profiles and previous experiences with the company’s needs, while also presenting our environment transparently so they can choose us.
Moreover, it is important to us that all employees are willing to continuously learn and improve. We are highly committed to education and invest in the development of our employees because their growth is a significant contribution to the growth and development of our company.
From your professional experience, what would you highlight as the most important guidelines for unlocking the professional potential of employees?
Unlocking the professional potential of employees requires careful planning and various methods for implementing the plans. Given the aforementioned differences, it is very important to assess how to approach different target groups, even individuals. To reach their full potential, employees are given individual development plans, which include, among other things, training and development programs that provide them the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
It’s important to define clear goals so employees understand how they can contribute to the organization. In addition, regularly providing positive and constructive feedback helps them develop and advance in their careers. Furthermore, encouraging employees to think creatively and bring innovative solutions can significantly help them utilize their potential in the best possible way. Finally, participation in different projects plays a significant role in professional development, where employees have the chance to perform various tasks and develop or highlight special skills.
The position of women in various industries is often discussed. What is the situation in the pharmaceutical industry?
This is one of the topics I’m happy to address, especially because I work in the pharmaceutical industry and recently had the opportunity to speak about it. At Galenika, women make up a much larger proportion of the total workforce, around 70%. The situation is similar at managerial levels, where women account for over 60%. Therefore, this is not even a “topic” in our company, because, regardless of gender, all employees are treated with respect, as are candidates during the selection process. I can confidently say that women have equal rights and influence, their work is properly valued, they have opportunities for personal and professional development, and they contribute to the business just as much as men.
CAREER ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Do you have any professional advice for young people and those considering a career in a pharmaceutical company?
A pharmaceutical company, such as Galenika, which is involved in production, is an excellent place for learning and development. There are very different job positions and types of education that we organize according to individual development plans, as well as for certain groups of employees. Informal learning, often underestimated, is an exceptional way of acquiring knowledge, both for young, new colleagues and for those who have been with the company for a long time. A large product portfolio, many new projects, and the expansion of business into other markets—all these are great opportunities for learning, gaining experience, and sharing knowledge, with the aim of achieving excellent collective results.
