Genentech tops Fortune's best employers list

For the fourth year in a row, Genentech has topped Fortune's list of Best Employers. The South San Francisco-based company dropped from No. 5 to No. 7 this year. So what makes Genentech so great? According to Fortune, the company was given high marks for resisting Roche's takeover bid, as well as implementing retention bonuses and severance packages for anyone terminated after a merger. While others biotechs are restructuring or reducing their workforce, Genentech--which employs 11,000--continues to grow. According to Fortune, the company hired 529 employees last year and started the year off with 585 openings.

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk also made the list, coming in at No. 57 for its employee benefits. Among the perks Novo's employees receive are 14 paid holidays, 50 percent match of employee contributions to a 401(k) plan and a medical and dental insurance plan for retirees.

- check out the complete list

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