In the bustling offices of Terumo, employees are crafting not just their careers but also the future of healthcare. As a global player in medical devices with roots in Japan, the company thrives on a mission that goes beyond innovation—Contributing to Society through Healthcare. Here, employees aren’t just part of the machinery; they’re the lifeblood of a culture that celebrates growth, autonomy, and care and are addressed as ‘associates.’
Central to this ethos is the philosophy of ‘Advancing healthcare with heart’, a principle that empowers associates to align their personal aspirations with the company’s vision. This is not merely a tagline; it’s a commitment that resonates through every policy, programme, and initiative.
Growth with a purpose
At Terumo India, learning is an everyday experience, embedded in its DNA. The company champions the 70:20:10 model of development, ensuring that associates learn by doing (70 per cent), grow through mentorship (20 per cent), and refine their skills via formal education (10 per cent).
“We celebrate failures because they teach us what success cannot. By analysing setbacks, employees gain insights that propel future successes. This open-minded approach to failure creates a safe space for associates to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to healthcare advancements.”
Ritu Anand, VP-HR & corporate communications, Terumo India
Leadership modules and learning platforms provide tools for continuous growth. But it’s the company’s specialised academies—the ‘Behavioural Academy’ for leadership and the ‘Functional Academy’ for domain expertise—that set a high bar. Overseen by a dedicated Learning Council, these initiatives cultivate a culture of excellence and adaptability.
Another standout initiative is ‘Terumo One Connect’, a platform that enables associates to explore opportunities beyond their immediate roles. By participating in global projects and cross-functional collaborations, associates broaden their skill sets and perspectives, laying the groundwork for well-rounded leadership.
The YUME programme
The heart of Terumo India’s Inclusion and Diversity efforts, lies YUME, first Women Associate Resource Group (ARG)., Derived from the Japanese word for ‘dream’, YUME intents to provide a powerful vehicle to women associates to amplify their voices, promote learning mindset, and ultimately co-create an inclusive familial culture founded on our Core Values.
Through a structured process involving self-reflection, manager collaboration, and tailored development frameworks, women employees chart their unique career trajectories. Some of the other dedicated measures are Yume Leadership Talk series, L&D interventions, reintegration plan for returning mothers, Yume e-newsletter, DE&I week celebrations, exclusive preventive health package for women and so on.
What sets Yume apart is its inclusivity. From junior associates to senior leaders, everyone has access to the programme’s resources. Leadership and mentorship opportunities are integral, preparing participants for roles that span geographies and functions. This ensures that the YUME Programme isn’t just about individual growth but also about building a pipeline of women leaders ready to drive Terumo India’s mission forward.
Innovation as a cultural pillar
Terumo India’s commitment to innovation is deeply rooted in its Japanese heritage, where curiosity and creativity are celebrated. The company fosters a culture of experimentation, encouraging employees to propose new ideas, test them, and learn from failures.
“We celebrate failures because they teach us what success cannot,” says Ritu Anand, VP-HR & corporate communications, Terumo India. By analysing setbacks, associates gain insights that propel future successes. This open-minded approach to failure creates a safe space for them to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to healthcare advancements.
Innovation challenges and collaborative platforms further strengthen this culture, empowering teams to think beyond their immediate responsibilities. Associates are not just contributors but active participants in shaping the future of healthcare.
A holistic focus on well-being
For Terumo India, associate well-being is not an afterthought—it is foundational. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has continually evolved its well-being programmes, now in their third iteration.
The ‘Commit to Be Fit’ initiative promotes holistic health—physical, mental, and spiritual. Complementing this is the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), branded as ‘Terumo Cares,’ which offers resources for mental health, counselling, and support for employees and their families.
One of the most transformative policies has been the shift from a fixed 10-day sick leave policy to unlimited sick leave. This bold move underscores Terumo India’s commitment to flexibility and care. “When associates are unwell, they need time and space to recover. This policy ensures they can focus on their health without added stress,” notes Anand.
The people-first edge
The results of Terumo India’s people-first approach – Powered by People, speak for itself. While the medical device industry faces attrition rates of 15–18 per cent, Terumo India’s rate is significantly lower, at just 5–10 per cent. This metric reflects not only associate satisfaction but also the effectiveness of the company’s inclusive, growth-oriented policies.
However, numbers tell only part of the story. At Terumo India, the real value lies in the intangible—the happiness and fulfilment of its associates. By fostering a culture of empathy, innovation, and collaboration, the company ensures that its workforce remains engaged, motivated, and aligned with its mission.
“Empowering associates with the tools, environment, and support to realise their aspirations is our priority,” says Anand. This commitment extends beyond professional growth to encompass personal well-being, creating a workplace where they feel valued and supported.
Redefining organisational excellence
Terumo India’s approach to associate engagement sets a new benchmark for the healthcare industry and beyond. By combining a century-old legacy with modern strategies, the company demonstrates how a people-first philosophy can drive innovation, growth, and sustainability.
At its core, Terumo India’s success is built on a simple yet profound belief: that advancing healthcare starts with empowering the people behind it. By dreaming big and leading with heart, the company continues to shape not just the future of healthcare but also the lives of those who make it possible.
