Novo Nordisk Offers Free Wegovy to Employees Amid Global Shortage

Dec 03, 2023 12:00 CST Updated 12:00

Novo Nordisk

Insulin Developer and Manufacturer

"One who cannot sweep a single room, how can they sweep the world?" Holding this view and leading by example are not only Chen Fan, the Grand Tutor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, but also Novo Nordisk, the Nordic pharmaceutical company.

Novo Nordisk, amidst the overwhelming demand for their weight-loss drug Wegovy, has recently announced thatNovo NordiskInternal employees are entitled to free Wegovy(Semaglutide Weight Loss InjectionSupply, free of charge。

This is an embodiment of the spirit of "If one cannot sweep a single room, how can they sweep the world?" and "To forge iron, one must be strong oneself."Novo NordiskThe employees enjoy being "inNovo Nordisk, it's hard to gain weight" employee benefit.

Novo Nordisk promises to provide their employees in Denmark with the benefit of using Wegovy for free, as long as a doctor prescribes it, Novo Nordisk will cover all costs without requiring employees to pay, except for taxes. In addition to obesity treatment, for other marketed products by Novo Nordisk, such as diabetes and hemophilia medications, if prescribed by a physician, Novo Nordisk also fully reimburses their employees.

Novo Nordisk's employee benefit initiative was introduced against the backdrop of severe global supply chain challenges amid Wegovy being out of stock. This further highlights the care and concern of this Nordic pharmaceutical giant for its employees. Wegovy has gained immense popularity in its key market, the United States, prompting the U.S. government to take measures to restrict the sale of Wegovy’s starting dose to ensure that patients already on the medication do not face a shortage.

Novo Nordisk has also provided annotations for their "employee free use of Wegovy" benefit initiative. They stated that Novo does not have a dedicated supply channel to distribute the drug to employees, and the Wegovy used by employees is not a "special supply" product. Moreover, employees need to pay taxes for this benefit. Employees of Novo must meet with a doctor like other Danish citizens, receive a diagnosis, and obtain a prescription. Only under such circumstances does the medication fall within the reimbursement scope.

Not only in the United States, but the tight supply of Wegovy is equally severe in its home country, Denmark. Danish doctors report facing a huge demand for Wegovy from patients, which has forced them to increase their workload. Data from the Danish Health Authority shows that nearly 100,000 Danes have used the drug since it became available in Denmark last December. In Denmark, a BMI (Body Mass Index) of at least 30 (the threshold for obesity) is required to obtain a prescription for Wegovy, while those with obesity-related complications need a BMI of at least 27 to qualify for the medication.

DespiteNovo NordiskLong-Term Policy of "Free Medication for Employees" Draws Attention as Wegovy Is Included. Despite Wegovy being far cheaper in Denmark than in the U.S., the annual cost still approaches 30,000 Danish kroner (approximately $4,400). However, the main focus now is not on the price but rather on the fact that Wegovy seems to have become a product that money alone can't guarantee access to.

Novo NordiskThe move is a microcosm of pharmaceutical companies providing benefits to their employees. Pharmaceutical companies, especially medium and large ones, may place extraordinary emphasis on employee health compared to other types of companies. Take Northern Europe as an example: not only is there extended parental leave, but it can also be shared between both parents. Flexible work policies fully respect the balance between family and work. Employees are not required to clock in and out, and there is strong support for employees to adjust their own schedules when it comes to working from home weekly. Many companies allow employees to work from home two days a week. For employees whose families live far from their workplace (Many employees live in Sweden and work in Denmark.), and also provided transportation reimbursement.

In the pharmaceutical company where I work, employees are frequently invited to participate in anonymous Workplace Assessment surveys regarding the work environment and existing issues. Department leaders are required to take the survey results seriously and conduct targeted analyses and improvements for problems related to the work environment and job content. The company places high importance on issues of race, ethics, and gender equality, and has established a dedicated department to manage these areas. In the event of any form of bullying or harassment, the perpetrator will inevitably face immediate termination without any room for negotiation.

In terms of health, the company strongly supports employees in maintaining healthy living and exercise habits, and encourages them to participate in various fitness activities. Employees are entitled to an annual reimbursement of 2,500 Danish kroner (approximately $365) for fitness-related expenses. The company has a physiotherapy facility on-site, where employees experiencing physical fatigue or discomfort can receive treatment during work hours. Additionally, the company has an agreement with a nearby hotel, allowing employees to use the hotel’s fitness equipment without being required to schedule their workouts after work hours. Regarding medical insurance options, the company provides additional coverage for employees, granting them the "privilege" of expedited treatment without long waiting times (in Europe, appointment wait times for non-urgent conditions can be quite lengthy). Special accommodations are also extended to employees with specific needs. For instance, an employee who underwent cataract surgery and needed special reading glasses was fully reimbursed by the company. In terms of mental health, the company pays close attention, particularly considering the high incidence of depression in Nordic countries, placing even greater emphasis on employees' psychological well-being.

In certain emergencies, the care pharmaceutical companies have for their employees' health can also be reflected. For example, last year when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a ruling that granted American women the right to abortion, leaving it up to each of the 50 states to decide on their own abortion laws, Novo Nordisk was one of the first to respond. The company announced that it would cover travel and accommodation expenses for its U.S.-based employees who need to go to regions where abortion is permitted. This benefit also extends to the family members of Novo Nordisk's U.S. employees. In a statement, Novo Nordisk said, "The health and well-being of our employees are of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk, and we want to ensure they have equal access to healthcare and health services." The Danish pharmaceutical company implementing this policy is not limited to Novo Nordisk alone; there are likely many similar pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

In addition to the health benefits, large and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies seem to strongly encourage employees' personal development. They not only encourage employees to choose positions that suit them better within the company but also provide substantial resources and financial support to help employees attend various skill-training programs. For instance, my Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma was achieved under the strong encouragement of my company, which invested a significant amount of money. This has a positive impact on employees' sense of belonging.

Ref.

Danish pharmaceutical company will pay US staff travel expenses for abortions. Thelocal.dk. 05. 07. 2023.

Wass, S. Novo Nordisk employees who need to lose weight get an unusual perk—free Wegovy that normally costs $4,400 annually. Fortune. 15. 11. 2023.

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