Company Overview

As a leader in biopharmaceuticals, Merck & Co. Inc. focuses on research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

• Industry: Pharmaceuticals
• Employees: ~27,000 U.S. Employees
• Headquarters: Rahway, New Jersey

Opportunity

Merck & Co. Inc. has made diversity & inclusion a cornerstone of their company culture and a key driver of competitive advantage, having been honored with several awards, including, “Best Employers for Diversity” by Forbes.

With a diverse workforce, Merck & Co. Inc. needed a holistic solution that could support each employee’s unique caregiving needs. They also recognized that caregiving disproportionately impacts women and people of color, and that easing the burden of care could help level the playing field and foster an equitable work environment.

“When our employees know that they’re crucial to our purpose and feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, not only will they thrive, but the company will too.” — Brian Kehan, Director of Benefits & Well-being, Merck & Co. Inc.

Choosing Wellthy

During the evaluation process — which was in the early days of the pandemic — Merck turned to Wellthy when they learned of an employee facing a crisis situation. In a matter of hours, Wellthy was able to step in and find care for their aging parents. The situation highlighted Wellthy’s capabilities during a desperate time for the employee and their family, and helped solidify the decision to work together.

Merck & Co. Inc. partnered with Wellthy to fulfill an unmet need for personalized caregiver support in their US workforce. The benefit helps employees who are caring for loved ones that are aging, chronically ill, disabled or need care — as well as with their own health care needs.

With Wellthy, Merck & Co. Inc. employees and their families are matched with a dedicated Care Coordinator who can help schedule appointments, source and vet in-home aides, handle a move into a care facility, research insurance bills, and much more.

“Instances like that, and the alignment of the mission and the goals of both of our organizations, made Wellthy such an easy decision. I wish all of our benefits were this easy.” — Brian Kehan, Director of Benefits & Well-being, Merck & Co. Inc.

Impact

The response was phenomenal. In a span of nearly two years (20 months), many Merck & Co. Inc. families took advantage of Wellthy’s services. The collaboration has helped Merck & Co. Inc. support employees of all backgrounds, improved productivity, and created a more inclusive workplace.

• 43% avoided taking a leave or resigning because of caregiving needs
• 94% report feeling less stressed/ more engaged at work
• 64% said they missed fewer meetings/ work days
• 166,142 hours: estimated time saved
• NPS: 85

“Wellthy has been a God-send during a difficult time in dealing with my father who was recently diagnosed with dementia… As someone in the “sandwich generation” who is dealing with raising my children and taking care of aging parents, I cannot be more thankful for a resource like Wellthy.” — Employee caregiver at Merck & Co. Inc.