Morale in Women's Health is at an all time low!

[Anonymous]

It's a sad state of affairs in the Bayer Women's Health division. Morale is at an all time low, and senior management seems to want to turn a blind eye. Having started out with Berlex, and now Bayer I have seen a transformation that is frankly bad business. Bayer is full of some of the most amazing sales reps, but you can only push so much crap downhill until you burn people out. With the Yaz litigation, Mirena price increase, and SPP (Caremark failures), POA, after POA, and a bonus structure that is broken. Quota's are not remotely realistic, yet management keeps pushing, pushing, and pushing. The days of double digit growth are difficult to obtain. Yet the FSD's and RSM's continue to ask things of us that are truly killing the morale and motivation of this once great sales force. I find it sad, and very demotivating. I know many of the reps Southeast have stated it has gotten very bad.

I hope Bayer will put some serious thought into making the work environment better for all reps. We have good people, and none of us should be made to feel that our jobs and families are on the line everyday.

It does not appear they actually ever think of the consequences to the sales force in their decisions. Those of us that have stuck around through well over a decade of change, still do not appear to matter. There is great fear as you stated, and no loyalty from the company to any of us. It is sad what this company has become. It has been hard to see the complete deterioration of what once was a great company to work for Berlex/Bayer!!!

 

[Anonymous]

And now, all management is Conceptus. If you thought things were bad before, just wait. Now WHC reps and "sales" and Essure are "clinical" which means WHC are the bottom of the barrel and it is only so long until we are phased out. Just like many of the RSM and FDMs. What happened this week shows us in more ways than one the trajectory of WHC. And it's not up.

 

[Anonymous]

Paul Bedard..... PLEASE CHECK ALL OF THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE CONCEPTUS REPS....while you are in the decision making process. The rumor is you don't want BAYER PPL in those positions because you don't think we are qualified?????? Some of those Conceptus reps didn't come with a bunch of prior 'medical' experience and it was their entry into the industry. There are many individuals in WHC who would be AMAZING IN THE DEVICE arena and the word is you don't want to give any 'Bayer' ppl a shot? What is that about. You and Jon only want new blood, thinking they are the only ones who want to build a career or further develop themselves. You built your career here at Berlex, Bayer right Paul? It would only make sense that you would want to build this new WHC with the best qualified people. That is how we all succeed. Don't rule people out because we have had poor leadership from the top down since MG left. There are some amazingly talented hard working individuals who would transition to Essure without blinking an eye and they would require very little training and investment of time/dollars because they were part of our company. (Some true business drivers were BD reps). If you have any street cred at all left. RE-EVALUATE how you are going to lead this business through the next several years. Don't disqualify people in the sales organization with one broad sweep.

 

[Anonymous]

Paul Bedard..... PLEASE CHECK ALL OF THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE CONCEPTUS REPS....while you are in the decision making process. The rumor is you don't want BAYER PPL in those positions because you don't think we are qualified?????? Some of those Conceptus reps didn't come with a bunch of prior 'medical' experience and it was their entry into the industry. There are many individuals in WHC who would be AMAZING IN THE DEVICE arena and the word is you don't want to give any 'Bayer' ppl a shot? What is that about. You and Jon only want new blood, thinking they are the only ones who want to build a career or further develop themselves. You built your career here at Berlex, Bayer right Paul? It would only make sense that you would want to build this new WHC with the best qualified people. That is how we all succeed. Don't rule people out because we have had poor leadership from the top down since MG left. There are some amazingly talented hard working individuals who would transition to Essure without blinking an eye and they would require very little training and investment of time/dollars because they were part of our company. (Some true business drivers were BD reps). If you have any street cred at all left. RE-EVALUATE how you are going to lead this business through the next several years. Don't disqualify people in the sales organization with one broad sweep.

Ya, good luck with that. All I have heard about from upper management is the "different skill set" the Essure reps have.

 

[Anonymous]

Ya, good luck with that. All I have heard about from upper management is the "different skill set" the Essure reps have.

Yep, like they were born with it and never had to learn it. Same attitude when considering a job placement in another division. Even with YEARS of cardio-vas experience, you are told it's a different "skill set" they are looking for.

Berlex would encourage cross over. Individuals saw their jobs as careers because we watched our counterparts rise within the organization by exploring different roles. It was encouraging and fostered an environment of loyalty and growth. That was what "company culture" stood for. I realize there is always change, but if I had to point in a direction that I think these changes are headed, some will be favored, while others will be put at the curb. Thus, creating a "culture" of drones instead of engaged, motivated professionals.

Can that be changed? Sure, lets see who they promote to head the NE? Let's see some of our colleagues move up for once instead of hiring from the outside. Same goes for future management programs and promotions.... remember those? A turn around would be very welcome. We have mountains of talent to choose from, including some that were recently removed. Good Luck to you that might be applying for some of these spots. We are watching.

 

[Anonymous]

Paul Bedard..... PLEASE CHECK ALL OF THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE CONCEPTUS REPS....while you are in the decision making process. The rumor is you don't want BAYER PPL in those positions because you don't think we are qualified?????? Some of those Conceptus reps didn't come with a bunch of prior 'medical' experience and it was their entry into the industry. There are many individuals in WHC who would be AMAZING IN THE DEVICE arena and the word is you don't want to give any 'Bayer' ppl a shot? What is that about. You and Jon only want new blood, thinking they are the only ones who want to build a career or further develop themselves. You built your career here at Berlex, Bayer right Paul? It would only make sense that you would want to build this new WHC with the best qualified people. That is how we all succeed. Don't rule people out because we have had poor leadership from the top down since MG left. There are some amazingly talented hard working individuals who would transition to Essure without blinking an eye and they would require very little training and investment of time/dollars because they were part of our company. (Some true business drivers were BD reps). If you have any street cred at all left. RE-EVALUATE how you are going to lead this business through the next several years. Don't disqualify people in the sales organization with one broad sweep.

OMG, what a cry baby. If your so confident then stop waiting for PB to dictate your future and move on. Sure, some reps were in pharma before Conceptus, but they got off their ass and made it happen. Take a risk and travel outside your comfort zone and smash your forehead through the f#^&in door and say hello there beetlejuice, I'd like to meet you. That's the reason you have been in the same spot for the past 5+ years. Sorry if this is too direct

 

[Anonymous]

OMG, what a cry baby. If your so confident then stop waiting for PB to dictate your future and move on. Sure, some reps were in pharma before Conceptus, but they got off their ass and made it happen. Take a risk and travel outside your comfort zone and smash your forehead through the f#^&in door and say hello there beetlejuice, I'd like to meet you. That's the reason you have been in the same spot for the past 5+ years. Sorry if this is too direct

You are not sorry. Your just full of yourself and don't realize you were blessed to be in the right place at the right time. The issue is, that talented reps are not given opportunity to apply. So "smashing your head through the f#^&in door", as you so eloquently put, is not an option. In fact, HR has taken down the job listings for internal, but now displaced people.

Don't apologize, we realize you are speaking out of your ass. Your time will come.

 

[Anonymous]

You are not sorry. Your just full of yourself and don't realize you were blessed to be in the right place at the right time. The issue is, that talented reps are not given opportunity to apply. So "smashing your head through the f#^&in door", as you so eloquently put, is not an option. In fact, HR has taken down the job listings for internal, but now displaced people.

Don't apologize, we realize you are speaking out of your ass. Your time will come.

Ok troll, you missed the point from poster above. Is there a small possibility that there are other companies that may have openings....????? Your waiting for openings to appear? Wow.

Hey, I never said this. But. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pharmaceutical rep

 

[Anonymous]

As a former Berlex/Bayer WHC rep....little advice and sadly I agree with the Conceptus reps; Sales success comes from 2 critical pieces, PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITY. Most opportunity will be found outside where you typically look. While many may be upset at the current state and plant the blame on management; it's really the changing landscape and the market environment of healthcare sales. The sad thing is the skill sets you used in Berlex and Bayer don't transition unless you have had extensive previous experience in other sales or have initiative to prepare yourself for the next opportunity.

Think about the sales activities/"messages" that have been used since Yasmin, yaz, be yaz, Mirena or what ever else: click your laptop for 8 drs a day, work 9-3 if there was a ton of traffic (includes 2 hr lunch) really speak with doctors for 20 seconds each, tell them about weight loss, no bloating, pmdd, acne, 3 extra pills, folate, savings card (spent 3 years talking about that), txt message reminders, SPP, no hassle, 99% effective, low dose......uh, I feel disgusting reliving these mind numbing statements. I can't forget reach and frequency or catering to POS staff members who hate their jobs.

These skill sets are DIFFERENT and you should really ask your Conceptus counterparts.....how did you make the switch to device and do you have a recruiter you recommend. Time to get off the sidelines and realize if you barely made it this time, you are only a sitting duck for next time.

POP quiz for all the Bayer reps who think they are entitled to something:
1) where is the OR?
2) how do you get in OR?
3) Contact info for material management contacts in territory
4) When does VAC committee meet
5) What does VAC do?
6) How will hospitals get reimbursed in the future under healthcare reform and how do my products fit into this new model??? Or do they not fit?
7) what is the capital budget process at your hospitals??
8) What GPO does my hospital work with
9) How to bundle products to create cost saving and clinical solutions


Just expand your networks and your horizons if you are starting your career or still have a bunch of years left to work....Bayer leadership doesn't even know the answers above. You have heart but need to develop the skills to be relevant moving forward.

And stop bringing up BERLEX!!!!! Ugh, to hear one more person say, it would have been different if we stayed Berlex...you just sound stupid!

Best of Luck and stay Thirsty my FRIENDS!

 

[Anonymous]

any guesses when the next layoff will be in whc? just for mirena reps of course. january?

 

[Anonymous]

Great response from a Bayer rep. Thank you! I'm so sick of hearing the whining. Get up and make it happen. Stop being so lazy getting home at 3pm! If you want to stay in devices you're gonna have to cover cases. That means getting up at 5:30 to get to the hospital for a 7am case and staying in the OR or office past 4pm. The Dr. is always running late and the cases rarely go on time. Neither the patient or Doctor cares if you have to drop off or pick up your kids at school. You work around their schedule not yours. Here's more trivia for you.

10) What type of hysteroscope is used in procedure? Size, diameter etc?
11) What tubing is used? Fluid Management system etc?
12) What is the par level for each individual hospital?

If you can't handle it, then maybe it's time to update your resume and go on Med Reps.

Have a Nice Day!!!!

As a former Berlex/Bayer WHC rep....little advice and sadly I agree with the Conceptus reps; Sales success comes from 2 critical pieces, PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITY. Most opportunity will be found outside where you typically look. While many may be upset at the current state and plant the blame on management; it's really the changing landscape and the market environment of healthcare sales. The sad thing is the skill sets you used in Berlex and Bayer don't transition unless you have had extensive previous experience in other sales or have initiative to prepare yourself for the next opportunity.

Think about the sales activities/"messages" that have been used since Yasmin, yaz, be yaz, Mirena or what ever else: click your laptop for 8 drs a day, work 9-3 if there was a ton of traffic (includes 2 hr lunch) really speak with doctors for 20 seconds each, tell them about weight loss, no bloating, pmdd, acne, 3 extra pills, folate, savings card (spent 3 years talking about that), txt message reminders, SPP, no hassle, 99% effective, low dose......uh, I feel disgusting reliving these mind numbing statements. I can't forget reach and frequency or catering to POS staff members who hate their jobs.

These skill sets are DIFFERENT and you should really ask your Conceptus counterparts.....how did you make the switch to device and do you have a recruiter you recommend. Time to get off the sidelines and realize if you barely made it this time, you are only a sitting duck for next time.

POP quiz for all the Bayer reps who think they are entitled to something:
1) where is the OR?
2) how do you get in OR?
3) Contact info for material management contacts in territory
4) When does VAC committee meet
5) What does VAC do?
6) How will hospitals get reimbursed in the future under healthcare reform and how do my products fit into this new model??? Or do they not fit?
7) what is the capital budget process at your hospitals??
8) What GPO does my hospital work with
9) How to bundle products to create cost saving and clinical solutions


Just expand your networks and your horizons if you are starting your career or still have a bunch of years left to work....Bayer leadership doesn't even know the answers above. You have heart but need to develop the skills to be relevant moving forward.

And stop bringing up BERLEX!!!!! Ugh, to hear one more person say, it would have been different if we stayed Berlex...you just sound stupid!

Best of Luck and stay Thirsty my FRIENDS!

 

[Anonymous]

Here is a news flash for you- bottom line is that Bayer will chew you up and spit you out also. You would think that as a "leader in women's health care" that the company would invest in its own people. Several years ago their was an initiative to certify the reps, and I was chosen for this opportunity. It challenged me to update my industry knowledge and then the process came to a a halt. Those of us who perform are disappointed by the company's desire to hire from outside instead of grooming the internal talent.

Don't get too comfortable, after all you are now with Bayer

 

[Anonymous]

It definitely feels like waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it drops depends on when the generic Mirena by Activis is launched. That's the only reason they went for a larger Mirena team than originally planned. JS is not done cleaning house. If the had good plans for the Mirena team we would be getting fully, clinically trained on Essure. And encouraged to apply for open Essure territories. But they are sending us a clear message of their plans.

 

[Anonymous]

As a former Berlex/Bayer WHC rep....little advice and sadly I agree with the Conceptus reps; Sales success comes from 2 critical pieces, PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITY. Most opportunity will be found outside where you typically look. While many may be upset at the current state and plant the blame on management; it's really the changing landscape and the market environment of healthcare sales. The sad thing is the skill sets you used in Berlex and Bayer don't transition unless you have had extensive previous experience in other sales or have initiative to prepare yourself for the next opportunity.

Think about the sales activities/"messages" that have been used since Yasmin, yaz, be yaz, Mirena or what ever else: click your laptop for 8 drs a day, work 9-3 if there was a ton of traffic (includes 2 hr lunch) really speak with doctors for 20 seconds each, tell them about weight loss, no bloating, pmdd, acne, 3 extra pills, folate, savings card (spent 3 years talking about that), txt message reminders, SPP, no hassle, 99% effective, low dose......uh, I feel disgusting reliving these mind numbing statements. I can't forget reach and frequency or catering to POS staff members who hate their jobs.

These skill sets are DIFFERENT and you should really ask your Conceptus counterparts.....how did you make the switch to device and do you have a recruiter you recommend. Time to get off the sidelines and realize if you barely made it this time, you are only a sitting duck for next time.

POP quiz for all the Bayer reps who think they are entitled to something:
1) where is the OR?
2) how do you get in OR?
3) Contact info for material management contacts in territory
4) When does VAC committee meet
5) What does VAC do?
6) How will hospitals get reimbursed in the future under healthcare reform and how do my products fit into this new model??? Or do they not fit?
7) what is the capital budget process at your hospitals??
8) What GPO does my hospital work with
9) How to bundle products to create cost saving and clinical solutions


Just expand your networks and your horizons if you are starting your career or still have a bunch of years left to work....Bayer leadership doesn't even know the answers above. You have heart but need to develop the skills to be relevant moving forward.

And stop bringing up BERLEX!!!!! Ugh, to hear one more person say, it would have been different if we stayed Berlex...you just sound stupid!

Best of Luck and stay Thirsty my FRIENDS!

Look I have sold in the operating room before. Read a couple modules, go to 2 days training , go into the OR and view 10-15 procedures and you are 90% ready to go. Yes there are a few problems or complications you might not witness in 10-15 procedures but not hard to overcome. After a few months in this position you will be ready to handle 99% of the job-countless reps have done it before-don't act like it is so hard to come up to speed, most device companies hire 26 year olds train them and work them to death. I feel for my former friends and assocites that lost thier jobs and those that will in the next right sizing( probably many Coneptus reps after the Mirena reps are trained on essure) in a way it is karma as you now know how the Bayer reps felt when they bought Schering AG and then Berlex was running the show and showing the door to many long time Bayer employees. This sucks as does the whole pharma industry!!!!!!!