In accordance with our desire to maintain a creative environment that will stimulate individuals to achieve their highest potential, Merck is committed to fostering diversity within the Company.

Our concept of diversity addresses race, creed, ethnicity and gender but extends beyond that to promote diversity of thinking. Diversity of thinking that results from the experiences, knowledge and background of all Merck people will help us be creative and innovative. These qualities are necessary for our Company to maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

The Merck Leadership Model

We foster diversity at Merck by integrating diversity initiatives into our leadership framework, the foundation of our global human resource programs, policies and practices. Based on the premise that business performance and employee satisfaction go hand in hand, the framework describes the competencies that we believe support a winning culture. These competencies cover areas such as teamwork, collaboration, candid communication, focus on developing talent and innovation. Taken together, the competencies outlined in our leadership framework provide employees and managers with the guidance they need to create a productive work environment in which everyone can excel.

Office of Diversity and Work Environment

We have also established an Office of Diversity and Work Environment to oversee the company's integrated approach to diversity in all business practices. The Office supports division management in creating tailored diversity initiatives that fit business needs, and consults with our Office of Ethics to resolve any workplace issues involving diversity. The Office of Diversity and Work Environment also oversees compliance with all local, state and federal regulations, and makes available consulting support and resources to maintain a supportive work environment.

Diversity Policy

Our policy globally is to actively promote equal opportunity and, in the United States, we pledge to a continuing program of affirmative action. Management has the responsibility to enforce the policy by making thoughtful and equitable efforts to correct imbalances in any areas of our workforce. The policy's objectives are to:

• create a work environment that will attract the best people to our organization and provide them with the opportunity to develop and advance;
• use effectively all available human resources to meet the Company's need for long-term growth and operating efficiency;
• provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants from all segments of the population; and
• ensure company compliance with federal, state and local laws, as well as applicable national laws outside of the U.S.

To learn more about Merck's Employee Programs and Benefits, click on the links below:

• Commitment to Diversity
• Quality of Life at Merck
• Employee Health and Well-being
• Opportunities for Professional Growth
• Merck Action Network
• What Our Employees Think of Us