Hi all, I'm just new on this forum so apologies in advance for any noob-errors! I'm considering a move to Novartis in Basel and was looking for some 'company culture' pointers - eg: is it a campus-casual type place (Basel in particular) or the more formal type of company environment? Are there any 'unwritten rules' (like in all companies!) - and what is the social life like for expat employees? I've lived in 5 countries and speak a few languages, so up for anything really, just looking for an indication! Thanks for your inputs!
It depends where you're working - in the labs, they tend to wear whatever they want...jeans, T-shirts, lots metallers about (leather and long hair) - sometimes even pink or blue hair (I've seen it). I guess its all covered by a lab coat in the end anyway. Lower to middle office workers: women tend to wear smart trousers, skirts and tops, but jeans and a nice top can also be ok. Guys wear suit trousers and a shirt with no tie or a smart jumper. Upper management and finance or any customer-facing roles tend to be very suited and booted.
Unwritten rules....can't think of any. Its a relatively normal company environment. With really great restaurants.
In terms of ex-pat social life...its as good as you want to make it. There are plenty of us around, and tons of clubs to join to expand your social circle beyond work colleagues, if thats what you want. But Basel is a small city, so if you're coming from somewhere like London it can take some adjustment of your idea of a 'night out' - its a much more bar-based nightlife than club-based.
Only ever been there a few times for meetings/conference things, but it does seem that slightly smarter wear is the norm there, compared to those of us 'across the river'. Jeans & open shirts are quite acceptable still, I think, but maybe not the shorts and tee-shirts we often wear in Summer (no A/C in our building).
For those who already work for Nov, when you get a chance, check out the questions and answers regarding dress code.. PM me and I will send you a link if you are really interested...
In short (including the US) the company has taken the stance that Jeans are allowed as part of every day attire, along with sneakers.
Since then... well.. the dress pants are getting dusty
I worked there for ~3 years, I wore jeans pretty often but never sneakers unless it was Friday, along with a blouse or sweater. If I had a meeting I went smarter. It all depends which department you are in though
Don't do it! If you have any shred of decency or ethics or desire to have job security... you won't work for them or for any company that has ties to them.
I don't think they win many Employee Satisfaction surveys. There is undoubtably a strong, US style performance culture, coupled with rampant outsourcing, high turnover and the ever present sword of Damocles you can see why some people either love it, or hate it.
I know people in both camps, its just that one outnumbers the other by about 7:1