Merck Breaks Silence on Fertility Benefits for Employees

For decades, workplace benefits in India have followed a predictable script: health insurance, provident fund, and maternity policy. However, fertility has rarely been discussed due to its sensitive nature.

Merck, a 358-year-old German pharmaceutical company, is trying to change this narrative with its 'family forward workplaces' philosophy.

The company has introduced a comprehensive fertility benefit program in India, making it one of the first markets globally to receive such support. The program aims to help employees undergoing IVF treatment without having to disclose their condition to their managers.

According to Pratima Reddy, Managing Director for Merck's healthcare business in India, 'women are choosing to have children later in life, often at a time when they are also progressing in their careers.' The company wants to ensure that its employees do not feel forced to choose between their career and starting a family.

Merck has invested close to $4 million (approximately ₹40 crore) globally in this program since its launch. Over 760 employees worldwide have already benefited from it.