Merck India, the global life sciences giant, is making waves in employee well-being with its pioneering Fertility Benefit Programme. This innovative initiative tackles a taboo topic head-on, offering financial and emotional support for fertility treatments to both male and female employees, and their spouses.
The programme stems from a deep understanding of the evolving workforce. “Our ‘leaky bucket’ concern, where women drop out at senior levels, made us realise we needed to do more,” reveals Shiv Kumar, head-HR, Merck, India. “The programme aims to empower employees to balance career and personal aspirations, particularly when it comes to family planning.”
Merck acknowledges the societal pressure on women to adhere to a rigid timeline for motherhood, and proactively offers a range of fertility preservation treatments such as IVF and IUI, not just to employees but also their spouses. “This financial support, capped at Rs 10 lakhs,” Kumar underlines, “recognises the complexities and costs associated with these treatments.”
“The programme aims to empower employees to balance career and personal aspirations, particularly when it comes to family planning.”
Shiv Kumar, head-HR, Merck, India
Sensitivity surrounds discussions around fertility, especially in India, where it remains largely taboo. To break down barriers, Merck India went beyond traditional channels, organising panel discussions featuring healthcare experts and individuals who have navigated fertility journeys. “The influx of queries we received,” notes Kumar, “shows employees’ desire to learn and discuss these issues openly.” Mental health also takes centre stage, with counselling support readily available through the employee-assistance programme.
Inclusivity is a core element of the programme. It extends to male employees as well, recognising the stigma surrounding male infertility. “This move sets a positive shift in societal norms,” emphasises Kumar. The programme is gender-neutral, available to all employees regardless of gender identity.
Measuring the impact of this bold move is crucial. Merck will track engagement, attrition rates, and overall well-being. “Success will be measured by the programme’s ability to translate into heightened engagement and increased organisational stickiness,” says Kumar.
Launched in late 2023, the programme is already seeing traction. Confidentiality is paramount, with stringent access controls ensuring only two levels within the organisation handle sensitive information.
Looking ahead, Merck India envisions expansion, hoping to influence assisted-reproductive laws and making the programme more gender-neutral. They aim to extend benefits to the LGBTQ community once legal frameworks permit, showcasing their commitment to evolving policies to meet the diverse needs of their workforce.
“This programme is not just a policy, but a beacon of support and understanding, signalling a shift towards a more empathetic and inclusive workplace,” concludes Kumar. By tackling a sensitive topic head-on and offering tangible support, Merck India is redefining employee well-being and setting a new standard for corporate empathy and inclusivity in India.
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I would say this is one of the Great initiative. This will help many employees who are keeping hope to become parents one day. My big support and best wishes