How Can Life Sciences Companies Attract and Retain Talent?

The Role of Employer Branding and Employee Engagement in a Competitive Market

On February 11, 2025, the fourth edition of Human Ingredients took place at Plus Ultra Leiden. 34 HR and TA professionals from 22 different Life Sciences companies – ranging from start-ups and scale-ups to big pharma – gathered to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in the industry: How do you ensure employees feel engaged and stay with your organization?

In a market where talent is scarce and competition is fierce, focusing solely on recruitment is no longer enough. Attracting talent is just the first step; the real challenge lies in engaging and retaining employees. That’s where the difference is made. A strong Employer Brand and effective Employee Engagement ensure that talent not only chooses your organization but stays longer. Keep reading to discover the key strategies and insights from Human Ingredients 4 that can help enhance Employee Engagement within your company.

Employer Branding in a Changing Labor Market

During the opening of Human Ingredients 4, Leiden Bio Science Park, Kadans Science Partner, and Talentmark emphasized the importance of a strong Employer Brand and Employee Engagement. In a market where talent is scarce, companies must do more than just recruit—they must engage and retain employees. This was a key theme throughout the event, with discussions on how Employer Branding and targeted Employee Engagement can support these efforts.

Jeroen Moerenhout, Strategic Labor Market Analyst at the Dutch Government, then took the stage to share his insights on Employer Branding:

From unemployment to job stability. The labor market has completely changed. In the past, not studying meant no job. Now, due to labor shortages, people assume they will find a job anyway.

This shift has made it increasingly difficult for companies to attract and retain talent. Job seekers now have more choices, which means employers can no longer rely on traditional recruitment strategies. Employer Branding plays a crucial role in this evolving landscape—not just in attracting employees but in creating a workplace where they want to stay. Younger employees switch jobs more frequently, with an average tenure of just 2.8 years per employer. This makes employee retention just as important as recruitment.

To remain attractive as an employer, you must not only showcase what you do but also why you do it and how it aligns with the values of (potential) employees.

How Organizations Strengthen (or Fail to Strengthen) Employee Engagement

After Jeroen Moerenhout’s presentation, participants split into smaller breakout groups to discuss Employee Engagement in more detail. They shared strategies that Life Sciences companies have implemented, evaluating what worked and what didn’t.

One of the key topics was language in the workplace. Some companies choose to switch entirely to English whenever a non-Dutch-speaking employee joins the team to ensure inclusivity. Others maintain Dutch as the primary workplace language. Both approaches have their advantages—as long as companies make intentional decisions that align with their culture and goals.

Investing in Employee Engagement pays off.

Participants also explored various strategies that enhance Employee Engagement, along with initiatives that failed to deliver the desired results. Understanding what works and what doesn’t helps companies make informed decisions that resonate with their workforce and organizational culture.

Networking and Knowledge Sharing in the Life Sciences Sector

Following the breakout sessions, all participants reconvened to share key takeaways from their discussions. The event concluded with an informal networking reception, where professionals from the Life Sciences sector had the opportunity to connect, exchange experiences, and expand their networks.

Coming soon: We will publish a whitepaper summarizing the key insights from Human Ingredients 4. This will include practical strategies and real-world examples of what works and what doesn’t in Employee Engagement and Employer Branding. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the official release!