Merck Named to 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Merck has been named to the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) which recognizes companies committed to transparency in disclosing gender-related metrics and investment in workplace gender equality. The third annual index includes 325 companies spanning 50 industries headquartered across 42 countries.

The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline; equal pay and gender pay parity; inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies; and pro-women brand. 

“We are proud to have our gender-inclusive policies and practices recognized and to be included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index,” said Celeste Warren, vice president, Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence, Merck.  “We believe that having a diverse workforce — including all dimensions of diversity — is fundamental to our company’s success.” 

Merck promotes gender equality at all levels of the organization and provides a number of resources and development opportunities including:   

• The Merck Women’s Network, one of ten employee business resource groups at the company, is designed to develop and empower women within the organization. 

• The Women in Leadership Program, a global, nomination program designed to support the advancement of women into senior leadership ranks.

• The Emerging Women’s Leadership Program, a program designed for female professionals to begin to develop their capabilities to take on critical leadership roles in the future. 

Additionally, on-site day care facilities, back-up child and elder-care, competitive parental leave policies, adoption assistance, flexible work arrangements (e.g. job sharing, compressed work weeks, remote work) provide Merck employees with the resources and support they need to help them excel both personally and professionally.  

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion represents a key aspect of our approach to corporate responsibility and demonstrates our support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  We have prioritized SDG 5, Gender Equality, as an area where we can make a difference because we know that progress for women will stall without sustained, proactive intervention.

Learn more about Merck’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in our Corporate Responsibility Report.