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| Employees of Sanofi participate in the company's career coaching program -- the Mini-Catalyst -- in Seoul, July 4. / Courtesy of Sanofi |
By Kang Seung-woo
Sanofi held its "Mini-Catalyst" program last week to help its saleswomen seek sustainable career development by building self-awareness and confidence, the pharmaceutical company said Thursday.
Sanofi, a France-based multinational company, has run the program since 2015 for its female leaders. The program, which usually takes place over three days, is aimed at offering leadership and communication training as well as networking skills to help women break the glass ceiling.
However, last week's event was cut down to one day and it was open to working-level female employees in the sales sector to attract more employees.
"We view the gender balance as one of the key elements for the company to build a successful business. We are paying close attention to the issue to accomplish the value of diversity within the company," said Bae Kyung-eun, sanofi-aventis Korea country chair.
"As the first female leader of sanofi-aventis Korea, I have shown interest in career development of junior employees. I hope the program will serve as a catalyst to nurture female leaders."
Those who participated in the program received intensive training on self-analysis. It is also designed to share career development targets and build an action plan to meet career goals.
"Well-organized programs and dialogue sessions with senior employees were useful," said Kim Bo-ram, a medical representative of the sales team.
"I've been too busy to think about my career but this program made me see the big picture."
Sanofi plans to hold another Mini-Catalyst program for non-salespeople in the second half of this year.
Sanofi is gaining recognition for its gender balance in its management.
According to a recent study, women assume 45 percent of its management jobs.
The company attributes this to its efforts to break the glass ceiling, as evidenced by the presence of a diversity council.
"Keeping in mind that the gender balance leads to a successful business, Sanofi is trying to create a corporate culture pursuing harmony," Bae said.
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