Great Places to Work: Becton, Dickinson and Company

For associates at Becton, Dickinson, the focus is not on what they can get from the company, but what they can give to others by working for the company.

Posted August 11, 2009 by Alicia Staffa

Becton, Dickinson and Company
Location: Franklin Lakes
NJ employees: 1,800
Chief executive: Edward J. Ludwig
Who they are: Medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents
What we love: Community outreach, training programs, and generous benefit packages

For associates at Becton, Dickinson, the focus is not on what they can get from the company, but what they can give to others by working for the company. “Our core value of ‘Do what is right’ encompasses everything we do here,” says Donna Boles, senior vice president of human resources. “It inspires our employees to be the best and give the best.”

Last year, BD donated $9.8 million to activities and programs in New Jersey, and another $6.3 million worldwide. Beneficiaries included major institutions such as Liberty Science Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and UNICEF, as well as small agencies like Eva’s Village in Paterson, whose mission is to feed, shelter, and treat the homeless.

“We give locally and globally, and do not limit it to cash and product; we also give our time and talent,” says Boles, who has been at BD for 36 years. Employees get hands-on with diabetes walks, beach clean-ups, and programs such as Dollars for Doers, where they volunteer personal time while BD donates the cash equivalent of the hours. Paid time off is also offered for volunteering at nonprofits.

Employee perks include flexible schedules, two on-site fitness centers, Camp BeeDee (for children of associates), and a generous 401(k) plan. “The BD [401(k)] has a 75 cent match, up to 6 percent of pay,” says Boles.

To help employees move up the ranks, BD provides professional development and diversity training. The BD University includes courses in leadership, business acumen, operational and sales effectiveness, and career development. Associates in their first managerial role attend Leadership Boot Camp. The Diversity Inclusion Program includes an annual week where employees take part in interactive and educational events celebrating family, religion, music, fashion, and food from various countries around the world.

“We are a great place to work because our culture attracts great people,” says Boles. “It’s built on strong values that are not credo values, but more around ... what a person is about, and what leads them to do the right thing.”

BD reports it is currently hiring at the Franklin Lakes campus.

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