Client spotlight | How Sanofi is putting people at the heart of AI transformation
For Sanofi, transformation has never been about technology alone.
As one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies, with more than 86,000 employees worldwide, its mission is clear: to chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. But delivering that ambition depends as much on culture and leadership as it does on scientific innovation.
"We see ourselves as one Sanofi," says Raj Verma, Chief Culture, Inclusion and Experience Officer. "Transformation is about bringing everyone with you."
That philosophy has shaped the company's approach to the future of work. As AI becomes embedded across the business, Sanofi's focus is all about helping teams do their best work with patients in mind, always.
"AI is a powerful partner," Raj explains. "It changes tasks, but it doesn't replace the things humans do best: empathy, judgement, engagement and creating psychological safety. Those remain firmly human responsibilities."
The company's ambition is to become the first biopharmaceutical organization to use AI at scale. Technology, however, is only one part of the equation - building confidence, trust and capability across the workforce is equally important for achieving the goal.
That means helping leaders understand not only what AI can do, but how to use it responsibly. It also means ensuring that teams have the support they need to adapt as work evolves.
Defining ways of working as unique as Sanofi
For more than 20 years, Sanofi has worked with the Adecco Group as its journey has progressed. What began as a staffing relationship with Adecco has grown into a strategic partnership spanning our 360o eco-system of workforce solutions – from leadership development (LHH) to coaching at scale (Ezra) and technology expertise (Akkodis).
Rather than relying on off-the-shelf programs, working together we’ve focused on co-creating solutions that reflect Sanofi's culture, values and long-term ambitions – a level of collaboration that only comes from building trust over many years.
Democratizing coaching, upskilling for all
One example is leadership development. During a period of significant organizational transformation, Sanofi partnered with LHH, to strengthen high-performing teams while embedding the behaviors needed to support lasting cultural change.
At the same time, coaching has become far more accessible across the organization. Through Ezra, coaching has expanded beyond senior executives, giving employees at every level the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and navigate change.
"Previously, coaching was something reserved for leadership," says Raj. "We wanted everyone to have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves."
That investment reflects a broader belief that the future of work depends on unlocking human potential alongside technological progress at every level.
AI can surface insights, automate repetitive work and provide leaders with better information. But the conversations that build trust, create belonging and inspire performance remain deeply human.
"The data helps inform better decisions," Raj says. "But people still make the decisions. Ultimately, technology should help people become better leaders, not replace leadership."
Looking ahead, Sanofi believes organizations will increasingly combine human and digital capabilities. Success will depend not simply on adopting AI, but on designing work in ways that make people more capable, more connected and more confident.
“The future of work is here already, and AI is playing an increasingly important role in how we operate.” says Raj. “The challenge going forward will be making sure AI improves accessibility, reduces bias and helps more people contribute their best work – and that’s down to us.”
Related News and Research
