.png)
Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Eva Quinn, Senior Human Resources Business Partner at HireEQ. With her passion for helping build companies and her expertise in all things HR, Eva shared valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in the biotech and life science industry. She's on a mission to make HR more accessible and more people-centric, and we can certainly get behind that. We firmly believe that bringing someone like Eva into an organization early, even on a fractional basis, can transform the trajectory of a company. Here are some key tips and takeaways from our conversation with Eva.
Follow Your Passion
Eva's journey from aspiring veterinarian to HR professional began with a realization that the business side of veterinary practice management was just as important as the medical aspect. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on humanities, HR, accounting, and finance. Her passion for helping people and being a reliable resource drove her to transition into biotech, where she combines her love for technology and medicine. The key takeaway here is to follow your passion and find ways to align your skills and interests with your career path.
Build a Strong Company Culture
Eva emphasized the importance of defining and communicating a company's mission and values. By clearly articulating the why behind their work, organizations can attract the right talent and create a culture that fosters belonging and engagement. Eva also highlighted the need for companies to differentiate themselves and curate their culture to stand out in the competitive biotech landscape. This involves crafting job descriptions that reflect the company's unique values and attracting candidates who align with those values.
Streamline the Interview Process
Eva stressed the need for companies to streamline their interview processes to avoid losing top talent. In today's competitive job market, candidates have multiple options and are often off the market within a short period. By reducing the time and complexity of the interview process, companies can secure the best candidates before they accept offers elsewhere. Eva recommended establishing a clear interview philosophy, being well-prepared, and ensuring timely communication with candidates.
Prioritize Employee Benefits and Mental Health
Eva highlighted the importance of offering comprehensive benefits packages and prioritizing employee mental health. Companies should go beyond the basics and consider the specific needs and preferences of their workforce. Eva encouraged HR leaders to advocate for benefits that enhance work-life balance, such as flexible schedules and fully paid parental leave. Additionally, she emphasized the need to address mental health in the workplace and create a supportive environment that accommodates different abilities and promotes well-being.
Embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Eva discussed the progress made in DEI initiatives within the biotech industry but acknowledged that there is still a long way to go. She emphasized the importance of defining DEI beyond surface-level diversity and creating a culture that values and includes individuals from all backgrounds. Eva also highlighted the need for equal treatment and opportunities for female CEOs and leaders, as they often face additional scrutiny and challenges. By prioritizing DEI, organizations can foster innovation, creativity, and a sense of belonging among their employees.
Our conversation with Eva shed light on the critical role of HR in the biotech industry and provided actionable insights for professionals in this field. From building a strong company culture to streamlining the interview process and prioritizing employee benefits and mental health, HR leaders can make a significant impact on their organizations. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, biotech companies can create an environment that attracts top talent and fosters innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, HR professionals like Eva play a vital role in shaping the future of biotech organizations.
So, whether you're a biotech startup or an established company, take these insights from Eva and elevate your HR practices to build a thriving and inclusive organization. Tune into the full episode of our podcast, or if you prefer visual content, the video is available below.
Comments