Benefits @ Merck

Merck’s benefits offer valuable rewards, protection and a variety of Merck Perks – all of which are designed to support the wide range of goals, needs and lifestyles of our employees, and many of the people that matter the most in their lives.

We recognize that our employees are the key to our Company’s success and we demonstrate our commitment to employees by offering a competitive and valuable rewards program. Explore this section to catch of glimpse of Merck’s benefits.

Total Compensation

Total Compensation at Merck is comprised of three distinct programs, designed to recognize and reward different aspects of your performance.

Base Pay – Determined by an employee’s actual position in the marketplace and sustained performance over time, as well as development of skills and abilities.
Incentive Pay – Cash bonus that rewards individual performance through the achievement of specified objectives and allows employees at all levels to share in Company and divisional results.
Long-Term Incentives – Equity based incentives, such as stock options, that recognize employees’ future potential for significant contribution to the Company.

Financial Well Being

At Merck, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including plans and resources designed to help you achieve short- and long-term financial goals.

Merck Savings/401(k) – Provides matching contributions equal to 75 cents for every dollar saved, up to 6% of base pay per pay period. Eligible employees may contribute between 2% and 15%-25% of base pay.
Retirement/Pension Plan – Automatic enrollment for eligible employees in the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan to provide you with retirement income based on years of credited service with the Company and final average pay. Benefits are 100% vested after five years of credited service.
Financial Planning – Offers access to various resources and services including unlimited website access on critical and timely financial concepts, personalized financial reports, toll-free telephone access to professional financial planners and more.
Insurance - Various insurance coverage plans including long-term disability, employee and dependant life, survivor income, long-term care and business travel accident insurance.
Merck Employees Federal Credit Union – Offers access to a wide range of on-site banking and other financial services including attractive home and vehicle financing options.

Health & Wellness

When you think about it, a comprehensive benefits program may represent a substantial addition to your regular salary. According to the 2005 Hewitt Benefits Index, the employer-paid value of Merck’s total health care offerings ranks first in all pre- and post-retirement health care. Our health care package includes coverage options in the following areas:

Medical – Depending on where you live, you may choose from a variety of medical plan options including HMOs, a PPO, an 80/20 with PPO option, and for certain employees, an 80/20 out-of-area option. Merck and its employees share the cost of health care benefits, with the Company offering significant financial support.
Prescription Drug – All medical options (except the no coverage option) offer 100% prescription drug coverage after a per-prescription copay through Merck’s Managed Prescription Drug Program. Additionally, Merck-brand drugs are available at NO COST to plan participants. And, when you take advantage of the program’s mail-order pharmacy service, you’ll save even more!
Vision & Dental – Optional health care plans you can choose that offer significant coverage and benefits.
Health and Dependant Care Accounts – Option of two pre-tax accounts that provide opportunities to set aside money to pay for certain health care and dependant day care expenses.

Live. Work. Play.

Our benefits are designed to make life healthier, happier and more convenient because we recognize the importance of work-life balance. At Merck, we support our employees in getting the most out of their lives, both personal and professional!

Paid Vacation – Two to six weeks paid vacation, based on length of service and job level
HolidaySchedule – Thirteen paid company holidays, consisting of a combination of fixed holidays and personal floating holidays
Flexible Work Arrangements – Option for flexible work schedules and arrangements to help you balance life’s responsibilities
Education Assistance and Scholarship Programs – Provide financial support for higher education, including 100% of the cost of tuition, registration and required laboratory fees for eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program – Provides help by offering confidential professional assessment, referral, counseling and education services
Fitness and Wellness Centers – Available at many locations to encourage health and well-being
Day Care Centers – Conveniently available on-site at many major locations
Employee and Matching Gift Programs – Support selected non-profit, charitable and educational community-based programs and services
Corporate Discounts - Merck Perks provides Merck employees with discounts at local shops and vendors, including discounts on automobiles, travel and entertainment, electronics and more!
Referral Services – Available through the Company’s Work-Life Balance vendor, for elder and well/sick child care to provide connections to community-based care.