Science and technology organisation Merck has expanded its fertility benefit programme to employees in 11 additional countries.
The benefit, which was first introduced in nine markets in October 2023, has now been rolled out to its workforces in Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Turkey.
It is available to eligible permanent employees and their partners, regardless of their marital status and sexual orientation. Services that are featured in the programme include fertility tests, in-vitro fertilisation treatments (IVF), and hormonal treatments.
In line with its efforts to foster wellbeing and an environment where all of its employees feel they belong, Merck also provides a global BeHealthy employee wellbeing programme, study and exam leave, a suite of information resources related to fertility, and a dedicated space for a peer support network.
Josie Downey, managing director of Merck Healthcare Australia, said: “Continuing our support for employees and their partners on their journey to parenthood whether they are on that journey alone, or in a relationship, is so important. As a long-standing leader in fertility, we understand that the decision to have a child is an intensely personal one, and we acknowledge the financial and emotional toll this journey can have on the individual, as well as the family. I am so pleased we are able to support our employees who want to realise their dream of parenthood.”
Rebecca Lee, managing director of Merck Life Science in Australia, added: “We know that employees are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living, and that working parents and people on fertility journeys, irrespective of their marital status or gender, need support in the workplace. This is just one way that Merck is fostering a culture of inclusion and prioritising the wellbeing of our people, by providing financial and emotional support to our employees throughout their fertility journey, and a family-friendly workplace that supports our employees at every stage.”