In their 2016 Best Places To Work In Medical Sales report, MedReps asked medical device sales reps what they valued most about working for a medical sales company as well as criteria for job satisfaction and overall happiness. They surveyed over 1,400 reps and ultimately, the answer to what’s most important largely depended on what each rep valued in top medical device companies, including the size of the company. From the results of the survey, MedReps was able to determine the best medical device companies to work for.
The Satisfaction Factor
Similar to pharmaceutical sales reps who participated in the same survey, it’s somewhat surprising that despite half of medical device sales reps reporting that they are very or somewhat satisfied in their current medical device sales jobs, 82% said it was likely or somewhat likely that they would change jobs in the next year. However, this number may be less of a reflection on job satisfaction, and more of a comment on the lack of stability within the industry. Does this mean they are unhappy with their jobs? Not necessarily, and despite possible fears about the medical device industry, there is still reason for optimism.
According to the survey, medical device sales reps place a high value on an employer with a strong product line as well as a commitment to research and development. When it comes to corporate culture and employee growth, respondents say the best medical device companies to work for must offer both competitive compensation and a healthy work-life balance.
Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they prefer to work for a company that primarily sells medical devices or equipment, and 73% of those respondents said they’d like to work for a small or medium-sized company (fewer than 10,000 employees). There are currently more than 6,500 medical device companies in the U.S., and 80% of them have fewer than 50 employees. While this certainly makes it a challenge to recognize the many top medical device companies, it means the options are plentiful for those seeking jobs at smaller med device companies and start-ups (another reason for optimism).
In an effort to recognize some of the smaller medical device companies, for the first time, MedReps’ Best Places To Work In Medical Sales includes winners in the small, medium, and large device categories.
Small Device Winner (less than 1,000 employees)
AccuVein. The company may be small in size (fewer than 100 employees), but in terms of impact, the company knows no bounds. AccuVein is a global leader in medical imaging solutions. The award-winning vein visualization technology is the world’s first hand-held, non-contact vein illumination solution. It is built on AccuVein’s proprietary technology which includes over a dozen patents covering a broad range of imaging and medical diagnostic technologies. This all translates to improving patient care in more than 3,000 facilities worldwide. Using this technology, healthcare facilities reduce patient pain by 39%, improve patient satisfaction scores and control costs with 45% fewer escalations. Accuvein places extreme importance on their sales jobs and their existing sales professionals are undoubtedly the critical link to introducing this incredible technology into healthcare environments.
Medium Device Winner (1,000 to 9,999 employees)
Intuitive Surgical. A pioneer in the robotics space, Intuitive Surgical made a name for itself with daVinci Surgical Systems, which it develops, manufactures, and markets, along with other robotic technologies. As the undisputed leader in the field of robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery, Intuitive Surgical continues to make advancements in the field and prides itself on a company-wide passion for improving patients’ lives. The culture of dedication, collaboration, and innovation helps make Intuitive Surgical sales jobs quite attractive, and the company hires top medical sales professionals who believe that making a difference is of the utmost importance.
Large Device Winners (9,999 + employees)
Medtronic. For the fourth consecutive year, Medtronic ranked #1 for best medical device sales companies, and landed in the top 3 companies overall. The company is widely respected by the medical device sales community and is seen by many as the pinnacle of employment opportunities. The Medtronic mission – to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life – truly guides the company and can be felt in everything they do. Medtronic sales jobs allow reps see themselves contributing directly to the company’s mission and take great satisfaction in that fact.
Johnson & Johnson. The Johnson & Johnson family of companies came away the big winner in the 5th annual Best Places to Work in Medical Sales awards. In addition to earning the most votes overall, the company was named the winner of the Top Pharmaceutical Companies to Work For award. The broad range of products offered by the Johnson & Johnson family of companies makes them especially attractive to medical sales job seekers. Perhaps even more than the strong product line, employees and job seekers alike consistently reference the well-known Johnson & Johnson credo as the primary reason they think so highly of the company.
Stryker. Stryker took the #3 spot overall as well as the #3 spot in the medical device/equipment category. The company is no stranger to MedReps’ annual Best Places to Work awards, and you’ll find Stryker on plenty of other lists of top companies around the web too. In addition to having a highly recognizable brand and a well – regarded product line, the company values its people. Several respondents to the survey used the word “family” when describing the company culture. Stryker shows it cares about its people by investing in their training and development and prides itself on promoting from within. As a result, Stryker sales jobs are of very high value. Known for their unyielding work ethic, Stryker sales reps are respected by their peers and customers alike.
