How our purpose shapes our response to COVID-19

As organizations around the world look to identify ways to address COVID-19, we believe it is essential that we unite to share approaches, answers, and advice. Every new idea or insight can provide value, helping companies—and people—find their way through it. I am pleased to share how our purpose has shaped Otsuka’s response to COVID-19.

 At Otsuka, there’s a thread that runs through our organization. One that has allowed Otsuka-people to navigate this pandemic with courage, perseverance, and resilience. It’s our purpose: we defy limitation, so that others can too. It guides our individual and collective beliefs, motivations, and actions. Nothing could be more important or more meaningful to us as we face the many challenges presented by COVID-19.

 Rather than just moving forward in this new environment, we have taken a collective pause to consider what this moment means, and what people—all people—truly need. Technology allows us to continue to do the work that is so important for our customers. Yet there’s something else happening, something on a human level. At Otsuka, we have discovered that when we meet people where they are and act with empathy and human understanding, we can and will defy any limitation that is in front of us.

 As an organization, we have found ways to stay true to our purpose, move beyond limitations, and find a deeper connection with our providers, their patients, and each other.

 Bringing the entire organization together, often

Connectivity is paramount right now—making time for conversations and meaningful moments—even when we can’t walk the halls together. While it’s critical for individuals and teams, it’s equally important on an organizational level. More frequent touch points with the entire company have allowed us to weather this together. We make time to acknowledge those who are on the front lines, caring for people with COVID-19, together. We directly address the situation, together. We talk about how COVID-19 shifts and shapes our priorities as an organization, together.

 Recognizing that it's not just business, it’s personal

Otsuka has always prided itself on the fact that we aren’t just a corporation, we are a family. Now, more than ever, employees need to feel connected. For us, it’s not enough to simply talk about the business. After all, every meeting is taking place in our most personal spaces—our homes. We believe that when we let each other in, we allow ourselves to be more vulnerable, more real, and truly more connected than ever before.

 Sharing support, above all else

We value the relationships we have with our customers and recognize the extraordinary impact COVID-19 has on healthcare providers (HCPs), whether they are on the front lines of care or playing a supporting role in HCP offices. That’s why our model has shifted from actively selling to playing a more supportive role for our customers, helping them effectively navigate COVID-19. Our aim is to emerge from this crisis with deeper customer-facing relationships that position us for a stronger future together.

 We recognize that this crisis has brought about high unemployment rates, with many of our patients losing access to health insurance. The Otsuka Patient Assistance Foundation (OPAF) is expanding its footprint, working to provide our medications for free to those patients in the US that have been impacted by COVID-19, thus ensuring continuity of care.

 Uniting for the greater good

At Otsuka, we believe in doing the right thing. It’s central to who we are. When Otsuka-people see customers and communities in need, we take care of them by doing what’s right and what matters in ways that are the most meaningful. That’s why we are very active as an organization in addressing the current situation. Across Otsuka, employees have come together to help those on the front lines, supporting those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Without question, COVID-19 has made our organization more resilient than ever before. It has reminded us that no matter what difficulties we face, whether tomorrow or 5 years from now, Otsuka-people will prevail because we are united by something real. Something meaningful. Something that’s true for all Otsuka-people: our shared purpose to defy limitation, so that others can too. For that, I am deeply grateful to each and every individual at Otsuka.

 We hope that you, too, will emerge stronger from this crisis by coming together more frequently as an organization, connecting on a personal level, supporting those who matter to your business, and uniting on behalf of the community—allowing purpose and human understanding to guide you every step of the way.

 About Me and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

I am a purpose-driven leader who is committed to Otsuka-people and those we serve. Otsuka is an organization driven by purpose—to defy limitation, so that others can too. We are committed to providing products and programs for people in three key areas: neuroscience, nephrology, and digital innovation. #defylimitation

Visit Otsuka-us.com to learn more or follow us on Otsuka’s LinkedIn page