Meet Rajender | Roche

Today, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Roche, my then Roche managers and my team for the unwavering support and understanding extended to me and my family during one of the most challenging times of our lives.

I was on a two-week vacation at Jaipur in my hometown in October of 2018, when my world was turned upside down after my elder daughter, Geetika, met with a traumatic road accident that resulted in multiple head and jaw fractures with injuries sustained in her leg and back. The initial shock and fear was overwhelming, and I was left grappling with a multitude of emotions.

In such a trying time, I was fortunate to have Roche as my employer, not just in name, but also as a compassionate and empathetic organization.

My then manager asked me to put my entire attention on my daughter's treatment and recovery. For me his immediate response to the situation was nothing short of remarkable. The team ensured that my work responsibilities were handled seamlessly, in my absence. With that, I was able to give my daughter and my family full attention.

After a few weeks I felt guilty and with a heavy heart I came up with the decision to resign. However, understanding my situation, my managers advised me to take a three month sabbatical instead. After that three months my daughter was on the fast track to recovery but my family still needed me for her on-going therapy at the neuro center. I was advised to move my people manager role to an individual contributor role with the product engineering team. With this move, I was able to work from home and contribute efficiently to the team.

The understanding and flexibility in allowing me the opportunity to work from home and take a sabbatical gave me the assurance I really needed then. It relieved me of any additional stress and allowed me to prioritize my daughter's medical necessities. The genuine concern and daily inquiries on her progress showed me that my team cares not only for my professional welfare but also about my family's well being.

During those six months, when I was juggling between hospital visits, medical consultations, and emotional turmoil, I was always grateful to have colleagues who were so understanding and never judged my contributions at work. Moreover, the health insurance from Roche was truly a blessing and medical benefits extended went a long way in easing the financial burden that comes with a medical crisis of this magnitude.

This helped me in providing the best possible care and treatment to my daughter without worrying much about medical expenses.

As I write this today, I am immensely proud of the tremendous progress my daughter has made in her recovery. While the journey is still ongoing, her strength and resilience inspires us all. I firmly believe that the support, both professional and personal from Roche, played a pivotal role in hers and my healing process. The acts of kindness during this challenging period will forever be etched in my family’s heart.

In closing, I want to emphasize that the employee focus approach, exemplary leadership, understanding, and compassion have not only earned my respect but also deepened my loyalty to the organization. I have great feelings for the support and care that my family received which fills in me a renewed sense of dedication and commitment, knowing that I am part of a team that values its members not just as employees, but as individuals.

I look forward to contributing to the success of Roche with even greater enthusiasm and determination.