Around 130 employees from AstraZeneca and Alexion Switzerland once again left their usual workplaces to get involved in social and environmental projects at eight institutions in German- and French-speaking Switzerland. From supporting people with disabilities and working in the forest to collecting food for those in need – the "Share & Care Day" focused on active participation in the community.
As part of the volunteer day, employees were involved at the following locations:
- Social Encounters: Shared activities with people with cognitive and multiple disabilities at the Wohn- und Werkheim Schmetterling in Cham and at the Martin Stiftung in Erlenbach; interaction and games with elderly and dementia-affected residents of the Pflegezentrum Baar.
- Food for People in Need: Sorting donated food at "Tischlein deck dich" in Winterthur; a food collection campaign for Samedi du Partage Vaud.
- Environmental Efforts: Removal of neophytes and invasive plant species for the Forestry Office in Horgen and the Werkhof im Jöchler in Baar; renewing "forest sofas" for a local daycare and refreshing the Vita-Parcours for the Waldgenossenschaft Cham.
Promoting Social Participation
Naomi Stoffel, a caregiver at the Wohn- und Werkheim Schmetterling in Cham, knows how valuable such encounters are: "For our residents, these encounters are much more than just a change of pace. They promote participation in society and create mutual understanding – which is central to the integration of our residents."
Company Culture in Action
Katrin Lipp, HR Director of AstraZeneca Switzerland: "Our driving force is to improve the lives of patients. But our responsibility extends beyond that. The volunteer day shows that as a team, we can also make a difference locally."
For the company, which has been named a "Great Place to Work" for the seventh time in a row, trust, cohesion, and commitment are firmly embedded in the company culture. The "Share & Care Day" makes this attitude visible – outside of the usual roles and in the midst of society.
Media contact
Tel. +41 (0) 41 725 75 75; media.switzerland@astrazeneca.com
Barbara Hess, Corporate Communications Lead, AstraZeneca Switzerland
AstraZeneca in Switzerland
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that has been present in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, ranking among the country’s top ten revenue-generating pharmaceutical firms. AstraZeneca focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in the areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, and Rare Diseases. Over 280 employees in Switzerland are committed to providing patients with life-changing medicines and making a positive impact on the healthcare system, society, and the planet. Currently, over 275’000 people are treated with a drug from AstraZeneca in Switzerland. Between 2026 and 2028, the company expects the approval of over 40 new therapies. AstraZeneca has pledged to an inclusive work environment based on respect and acceptance. The company was thus recognised as a «Great Place to Work» for the seventh consecutive time in 2025 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2045.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch
