Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, has been recognized as Top Employer Middle East for the third consecutive year, reflecting a sustained and deliberate focus on how people are supported, developed, and enabled to do their best work. This year’s certification underpins the company’s commitment to creating an attractive work environment, with employee well-being at its core.
That regional recognition is echoed across different countries in the region, where Boehringer Ingelheim continues to earn Top Employer certifications year after year; Saudi Arabia for the sixth consecutive year, the United Arab Emirates for the fifth, and Türkiye for the second and South Africa for the first-year running. Together, these results reflect a consistent regional culture that prioritizes growth without burning out, ambition without compromise, and performance that is sustained by people who feel genuinely supported.
Derek O’Leary, Regional Managing Director, India, Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (IMETA) at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: “Life sciences is an industry built on long horizons. The medicines and solutions we work on take years, sometimes decades, to deliver their full impact. Sustaining that level of ambition requires workplaces that genuinely look after people, their energy, development, and sense of purpose. Being recognized again as a Top Employer in the Middle East is a growing responsibility to create environments where people can develop their careers whilst looking after their well-being. It is equally a reassurance that our people feel supported, trusted, and able to do work that truly matters; for patients, for society, and for the future of healthcare.”
Offerings for physical, mental, social, and financial health
Boehringer’s well-being program takes care of the whole person from physical and mental health to social and financial aspects. A dedicated cross-functional team co-creates meaningful offerings and activities, so every employee can bring their best to work and life.
It includes health screenings, fitness programs as well as tailored mental health trainings for employees and leaders. Confidential counseling and other mental health support is available through employee assistance programs. The company also encourages volunteering and provides financial education and retirement planning to help build security for today and tomorrow – just to name a few examples.
Benefits for work-life-balance and personal development
Beyond well-being, employees benefit from tailored lifelong learning and development opportunities, and flexible working models. For example, the internal Boehringer Ingelheim University makes a virtual campus accessible worldwide. The opportunity to temporarily work abroad allows employees to spend more time with loved ones who live elsewhere.
Recognition, Engagement and Employee Listening
Our recognition programs, employee listening mechanisms, and engagement initiatives continue to drive positive momentum, ensuring we remain closely connected to our employees’ needs and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Aylin Dodanli, Head of Human Resources, IMETA region at Boehringer Ingelheim, added: “In an industry defined by scientific rigor, the ability to attract and retain talent depends on more than opportunity alone – expectations are higher, careers are less linear, and people are far more intentional about where and how they work. What differentiates employers today is not a single benefit or policy, but whether people feel valued and supported to grow over time without losing themselves in the process. This recognition reflects our focus on building careers that are sustainable, flexible, and grounded in well-being, so our people can continue doing complex, meaningful work at pace.”
Certified across the globe
This year, Boehringer has received the award in 31 countries and regional recognitions in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and in the Middle East. In Latin America, the company is ranked among the top three employers. Boehringer has been listed among the top employers in multiple countries and regions for the past 12 years.