Merck Introduces Caregiver Leave Benefit to Enhance Family-Friendly Policies

Merck, a globally recognized leader in science and technology, has announced the launch of its new Caregiver Leave Benefit, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a supportive and family-friendly workplace. This newly introduced global benefit provides employees with a minimum of ten days of financially protected leave, specifically designed for those who need to care for immediate family members facing critical or terminal illnesses.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in Merck’s ongoing efforts to create a holistic and inclusive suite of employee benefits. It follows the recent global rollout of the Fertility Benefit, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to addressing the diverse needs of its workforce and ensuring their overall well-being.

Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “At Merck, we recognize the vital role that caregivers play and understand the challenges they face in balancing their responsibilities at work and home. The need for extraordinary care can arise unexpectedly, and we want to alleviate at least one major concern for our employees. By introducing the Caregiver Leave Benefit, we enable them to focus on their family during such critical times without additional financial stress. Caregiving embodies our core values of courage, respect, and responsibility, and as an employer, we remain committed to supporting our employees and their loved ones.”

Khadija Ben Hammada, Chief Human Resources Officer at Merck, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Our new Caregiver Leave Benefit is a testament to how we at Merck take a holistic approach to employee well-being. Life circumstances evolve, and our benefits must evolve alongside them. I take great pride in expanding our benefits portfolio to provide employees with the time, financial support, and peace of mind they need during life’s most challenging moments.”

The Caregiver Leave Benefit is structured to assist employees who are responsible for the care of immediate family members, including but not limited to parents, children, and partners, who are critically or terminally ill. The program is expected to be implemented globally over the next twelve months, following a market-by-market approach. This phased rollout ensures that the benefit is tailored to align with existing local leave policies and regulatory requirements, providing employees with the most comprehensive support possible within their specific geographic and legal contexts.

Merck’s commitment to caregivers is deeply rooted in its corporate philosophy and has been reinforced through various initiatives over the years. In 2017, the company launched “Embracing Carers®,” a global initiative aimed at supporting caregivers worldwide. This program was designed to enhance awareness, foster discussion, and drive action to address the often-overlooked needs of caregivers. Through collaborations with leading caregiver organizations across the globe, “Embracing Carers®” has facilitated the development of support resources, training programs, and skills enhancement initiatives, ultimately improving the well-being of both caregivers and those they care for.

The introduction of the Caregiver Leave Benefit is a natural extension of these ongoing efforts. By formally recognizing and addressing the challenges caregivers face within its own workforce, Merck is setting a powerful precedent for corporate responsibility and employee support. The company’s continued dedication to enhancing caregiver support not only strengthens its internal work culture but also contributes to a broader societal impact by increasing awareness and advocacy for caregiver needs within healthcare systems worldwide.

As the benefit is gradually implemented, Merck employees across different regions will gain access to a structured and financially secure leave policy that allows them to prioritize their family responsibilities during times of need. The company remains committed to refining and expanding its employee benefits, ensuring that all employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

Ultimately, Merck’s Caregiver Leave Benefit exemplifies the company’s enduring commitment to fostering a compassionate and employee-centric workplace. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, Merck not only enhances employee satisfaction and productivity but also sets a new standard for corporate policies that recognize the fundamental importance of caregiving in today’s world. Through these initiatives, Merck continues to lead by example, championing a workplace culture that values care, inclusivity, and holistic well-being.

Read more: Merck Introduces Caregiver Leave Benefit to Enhance Family-Friendly Policies

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