Novo Nordisk Makes its Debut in FORTUNE's '100 Best Companies to Work For'

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company focusing on diabetes care, has been named in FORTUNE's 2009 "100 Best Companies to Work For" awards issue. This is the first year that Novo Nordisk has received this prestigious award -- one of the most influential business scorecards in the nation. FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" are historically good performers in the marketplace for not only current and prospective employees, but shareholders as well.

"It is an honor to be named one of the '100 Best Companies to Work For,'" said Jerzy Gruhn, president of Novo Nordisk Inc. "Our company reflects the passion our employees bring to our vision of defeating diabetes and helping people with unmet medical needs. That is what makes our company a 'Best Company to Work For.'"

Developed by FORTUNE and Great Places to Work Institute(R), the award is based on employee surveys as well as an audit of the company. The survey rates employees' opinions about how well their company promotes a positive work environment through benefit packages and professional development opportunities. It also surveys attitudes about management credibility, job satisfaction and even camaraderie. Another portion of the scoring is based on the company's responses to the Institute's Culture Audit, which includes detailed questions about demographic makeup, pay and benefit programs, as well as a series of open-ended questions about a company's management philosophy, internal communications approach, opportunities for promotion, compensation practices and diversity programs.

"To be recognized as one of the best companies to work for in the U.S. is a testament to Novo Nordisk's ability to build and maintain an environment where employees can thrive," said Jeff Frazier, Vice President of Human Resources.

"Our dedication to our employees is part of our social responsibility to them and the patients they ultimately serve. We want to attract the best talent available, and that requires more than competitive compensation and benefits; it requires a unique company culture that inspires and engages employees."

Novo Nordisk's creative benefit programs for employees are offered in a variety of different areas. This year, Novo Nordisk developed and implemented College Coach, a program that assists parents with preparing for college savings. Other company efforts include concierge services, backup care for children and adults, and a generous 401k plan: Novo Nordisk contributes 8 percent to an employee's 401k even if that individual does not participate.

About FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For"

To select the "100 Best Companies to Work For," The Great Places to Work Institute(R) conducts one of the most extensive employee surveys in corporate America. This year, 353 companies participated in the survey. More than 81,000 employees at those companies responded to a 57-question survey. Most of a company's score (two-thirds) is based on the results of the survey, which is sent to a minimum of 400 randomly selected employees from each firm.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company with an 86-year history of innovation and achievement in diabetes care. The company has the broadest diabetes product portfolio in the industry, including the most advanced products within the area of insulin delivery systems. In addition to diabetes care, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as hemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone therapy for women. Novo Nordisk's business is driven by the Triple Bottom Line: a commitment to social responsibility to employees and customers, environmental soundness and economic success. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs more than 26,550 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For global information, visit novonordisk.com; for United States information, visit novonordisk-us.com.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk Inc.

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http://www.novonordisk-us.com