Gone are the days when a career path meant a linear trajectory within a single department. Instead, the modern workforce thrives on versatility and flexibility, with companies that recognise the value of nurturing talent from within leaping ahead of the pack.

This dynamic approach is a part of the fabric of Accelagen, and not only fuels personal growth but also cultivates a workplace culture where innovation and collaboration flourish. And recently we spoke to Accelagen team member, Alexia Ligonnet, who has transitioned from a role as Office Manager to Clinical Trials Assistant and could shed some light on the importance of fostering skill diversity.

A Catalyst for Innovation and Adaptation

As industries undergo seismic shifts driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, the ability to innovate and adapt is non-negotiable. Investing in the development of existing employees to seamlessly transition into diverse roles not only harnesses their institutional knowledge but also brings fresh perspectives to different departments.

When marketing professionals delve into data analytics or clinical researchers explore customer relations, the cross-pollination of skills it creates can spark creativity and breed innovative solutions. So, what prompted our Office Manager turned Clinical Trials Assistant Alexia to broaden her horizons?

“Joining the Accelagen team in 2021 in primarily an HR and office management role, I have gained vast expertise in Project Management, Training and Development, Office Administration, and using all the various technical and software tools of a CRO. On the job, I had learned so many more things than I even knew I was capable of, and it made me wonder: what else could I do?”

Going far beyond merely a talent management strategy, in-house development and upskilling becomes a catalyst that can propel companies to the forefront of innovation.

The Synergy of Skill Diversity

It’s no secret that silos can stifle progress, particularly in fast-moving industries and organisations. On the other hand, when team members venture into new departments, and bring their expertise with them, they often forge connections between seemingly disparate areas of the company and create better connected and more efficient work environments.

“Because I was skilled in providing assistance to ensure best practice for  task setup and execution, , I was able to work my way into a more clinical role, and provide a high level of support to project managers across all teams. Making sure to stay agile and flexible to their needs, I know that the skills I learned in one area of the business helped me be effective in another.”

In our experience, this cross-functional collaboration not only streamlines operations and creates more harmony in the workplace, but it’s a key reason why we continue to deliver deep and industry-leading value to our global clients.

Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow

At the heart of Accelagen is our people, driving who we are and what we deliver. Experience, expertise and values make up our ‘trilogy of unity’ and the clear and deliberate principles we share around the goal of accelerating human health.

We have known since day one that our most valuable asset is our people. And we have worked hard over many years to cultivate a work environment that welcomes and embraces an experienced and diverse team. One key reason for this is: prioritising in-house skill development.

By investing in upskilling our people, we send the message that: growth and advancement are not limited to external hires. This commitment to internal talent cultivates loyalty, boosts morale, and paves the way for a vibrant corporate culture. It also encourages and empowers existing employees to embark on a journey of continuous learning and self-discovery.

“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and gain new industry knowledge in a new role. Completely supported by the company, they helped me learn new skills through online training and other on-the-job training, both online and on site.”

Particularly for employees like Alexia, who have diverse professional backgrounds across multiple industries, keeping things fresh and engaging is key to retaining talented people.

“In my new role, I get to support our talented clinical team on a variety of projects and tasks, from purchasing medical supplies to scheduling patients for innovative clinical trials. I love that every day is different. La diversité est ce qui fait apprécier la vie, or variety is the spice of life, as they say!”

By recognising and investing in the potential of our people, we want to lay the foundation for a workforce that’s not only adaptable but also passionately invested in our mutual success. From the top to the bottom, and at every layer in between, this philosophy motivates our shared aim to accelerate human health and wellness by improving outcomes for our clients and end patients.