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Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

We operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for people and communities everywhere. To learn more, read our annual Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) progress report.

Download our 2021/2022 ESG Progress Report

Download our ESG Progress Report Summary

We run to, not from, the world’s biggest health challenges

From finding solutions for some of the world’s most debilitating diseases, to getting our medicines and vaccines to those in need and building more effective health systems, we are always on a mission to create a better world.

Our approach

Operating responsibly is at the heart of our ability to deliver sustainable impact – driving long-term value for our company and society.

Access to innovative medicines and vaccines

Barriers to access and quality care exist in many parts of the world. We have a role to play in helping to ensure our products are accessible and affordable to those in need.

Using world-class research and science to save and improve lives

We make long-term investments in research & development and target diseases where we can make the greatest difference.

Researching infectious diseases and developing vaccines

We are committed to addressing the global public health burden of infectious diseases.

Working with partners who share our commitment

Through partnership, investment and endless invention, we seek to overcome barriers to providing a healthier future for all.

Our most valuable resource

To harness the knowledge and insights of our diverse workforce, we take a thoughtful and strategic approach to workplace inclusion, invest in employee development, and care for their well-being - physical, emotional and financial.

Learning & development

As inventors, we invest in learning and development because our culture centers around curiosity.

A holistic approach to caring for our employees' well-being

Only when our employees feel their best, in all aspects of their lives, can they perform at their highest level.

Diversity & inclusion

The dynamic force driving everything we do.

A healthy planet is essential to the sustainability of our business

As a global company, we recognize that our actions have a direct impact on our planet.

Drive efficient operations

Energy conservation, water use reduction, efficient use of raw materials and responsible waste management.

Design for environment

We deploy sustainability strategies to reduce environmental impact.

Reducing value chain impacts

We team up with our suppliers and customers to understand and minimize the life-cycle impacts of our products.

Operating with ethics, integrity and respect for human rights

As a global health care leader, our work requires us to cultivate strong relationships based on trust. This means listening to and learning from our stakeholders and communicating openly about the decisions we make and the outcomes we achieve.

Our values and standards

Our code of conduct is at the core of our character, helping us to maintain our reputation as a trustworthy company.

Human rights

We strive to detect and prevent labor and human rights abuses in our own operations and in our supply chain.

Ethical sales and marketing practices

We follow strict ethical sales and marketing practices in all our businesses.

Our impact by the numbers

79%

of countries around the world reached with our products

> 99%

U.S. pay equity ratio for female and male employees, as well as for non-white and white employees in equivalent positions

41%

of purchased electricity from renewable sources

$1B

inaugural sustainability bond issued in December 2021

Nun walking with group outdoors

Philanthropy is an important component of our company’s approach to ESG

We strive to find sustainable solutions to key global health challenges and to strengthen communities where our employees live and work.

nurse checking mother and baby for blood pressure

Merck Medical Outreach Program

Recognizing that there are communities around the world without access to medicines and vaccines, the Merck Medical Outreach Program (MMOP) was established over 60 years ago to help provide lifesaving medicines and vaccines to those in need.

The stories beyond the report

There is real word impact behind our work. Dig deeper.

View our stories

Collaborating to help make cancer care more accessible worldwide

How we’re advancing health equity through partnerships to help patients navigate cancer care

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3 ways we support the LGBTQ+ community

How we stand by our commitment to allyship both within our company and in the world at large

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Next: 3 ways we support the LGBTQ+ community

Changing how we hire for real-world skills

Chairman and CEO Rob Davis discussed our talent focus on skills rather than a four-year degree for a qualified, diverse workforce

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Next: Changing how we hire for real-world skills

VIDEO: What the “great resignation” taught us about workplace culture

In this Teal Talks episode, our chief talent officer sits down with leaders from LinkedIn, Workhuman and S’well to discuss how businesses can adapt to a new era of work

Read more

Next: VIDEO: What the “great resignation” taught us about workplace culture

Collaborating to help make cancer care more accessible worldwide

How we’re advancing health equity through partnerships to help patients navigate cancer care

Read more

Next: Collaborating to help make cancer care more accessible worldwide

3 ways we support the LGBTQ+ community

How we stand by our commitment to allyship both within our company and in the world at large

Read more

Next: 3 ways we support the LGBTQ+ community

Changing how we hire for real-world skills

Chairman and CEO Rob Davis discussed our talent focus on skills rather than a four-year degree for a qualified, diverse workforce

Read more

Next: Changing how we hire for real-world skills

VIDEO: What the “great resignation” taught us about workplace culture

In this Teal Talks episode, our chief talent officer sits down with leaders from LinkedIn, Workhuman and S’well to discuss how businesses can adapt to a new era of work

Read more

Next: VIDEO: What the “great resignation” taught us about workplace culture

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