Caregiving Champions: Biogen

Inspiration

What inspired Biogen to prioritize caregiving support for your employees? Did a personal caregiving experience or story influence the decision to implement these benefits?

At Biogen, our commitment to caregiving support stems from our deep connection to the patients we serve. We understand the challenges faced by individuals living with complex, difficult-to-treat diseases and the role caregivers play in their lives. These experiences have shaped our understanding of the delicate balance caregivers must maintain between personal responsibilities and professional obligations. Extending this perspective to our employees was a natural step. By empowering our team members to care for themselves and their loved ones when it matters most, we reinforce our passion for helping others and dedication to their overall well-being. 

Innovation

Please share an example of an innovative caregiving program or policy at Biogen that has made an impact.

One of Biogen’s standout initiatives is our Caregiver Leave program, which provides up to eight weeks annually of paid leave benefits for employees caring for family members with serious health conditions. This includes support for those managing illness, injury, impairment, or a mental or physical condition requiring inpatient care or continuing treatment. The program is available to employees caring for their spouse, partner, parent, or any child for whom the employee is a primary caregiver. 

During Caregiver Leave, employees will maintain their full Biogen benefits (e.g., medical, dental insurance, etc.) as if the employee is still working, and we hold open an employee’s position, as the employee is expected to return at the end of leave. We want our employees to know we care about their families just as much as they do, and to show this, we wanted to offer a program that allowed employees to comfortably take a leave of absence without the stress and worry of their job. 
 

Advice

What advice would you give to other leaders looking to support caregivers in their workplaces?

When designing benefit offerings for your employees, it is essential to take a holistic approach to their well-being. At Biogen, our programs are built around four key pillars of well-being: physical, financial, emotional, and social. This comprehensive framework ensures we address employee needs from all angles. 

For example, we provide many programs and resources to help our employees to the best of our abilities, including physical and mental health support, adult/elder care, pet care, childcare, and financial planning benefits. Supporting caregivers in and out of the workplace is essential for fostering a compassionate and productive environment. Ultimately, the goal is to empower employees to care for their loved ones without compromising their own well-being or professional growth.
 

Strategy Integration

The Milken Institute Future of Aging’s report, Supporting Family Caregiving: How Employers Can Lead, highlights strategies such as paid leave and flexible schedules, workplace education and support, digital tools and resources, and financial planning education and benefits. How has Biogen integrated any of these strategies, and what are the long-term goals for these initiatives?

Biogen has embraced the strategies outlined in the Milken Institute’s report. We promote a flexible work schedule when aligned with job responsibilities, offering hybrid and off-site work opportunities where possible. All our employees are provided with the necessary technology to ensure seamless productivity. 

Beyond our Caregiver Leave program, we also offer a comprehensive range of other benefits, including concierge and errand-running services; comprehensive family support services, including educational resources related to caregiving; Employee Resource Groups, including AccessAbility, which supports employees with disabilities and their caregivers; and the Parent Networking Group for working parents and caregivers. By fostering a supportive environment, we aim to enhance employee well-being and create a culture of care that drives both personal and professional success.

I'm particularly proud that Biogen was recognized on the U.S. News and World Report's inaugural “Best Companies to Work For: Supporting Family Caregiving” list in January. This recognition validates our commitment to the principles outlined in the Milken Institute's report and demonstrates how implementing these evidence-based strategies creates tangible value for both our employees and our organization. It reinforces our belief that when companies invest in comprehensive caregiving support, we don't just help our employees navigate their personal challenges—we strengthen our entire workforce and build a more resilient, compassionate workplace culture.