Driving Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Engagement for Our People
At MSD Switzerland, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and engaged workforce where every employee can thrive. Our MSD Switzerland employee engagement and well-being initiatives promote both personal and professional growth by fostering a positive work environment, encouraging community building, and celebrating diverse perspectives that strengthen our shared culture.
Our Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs), led by passionate employees, serve as vital cultural and educational networks that strengthen belonging and inclusion. In Switzerland, we are proud to have seven active EBRGs: Rainbow Alliance, League of Employees of African Descent, CapABILITY, Women’s & Next Gen Network, Asia Pacific Association, and Alianza.
Gender equality is a key priority for us. We strive for equal opportunities and a 50/50 gender balance across all levels of the organization. Our Gender-Neutral Parental Leave Policy reflects this ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion.
Through One MSD, we nurture an inclusive culture and promote employee wellbeing with company-wide events and volunteering opportunities.
At MSD Switzerland, we partner with employees and local organizations to promote well-being, inclusion, and health equity in the workplace. Through programs such as Power to Protect and LiveEarnGrow, we turn our commitment to employee health, engagement, and diversity into action—empowering people to thrive both professionally and personally. Discover some of our initiatives below.
HPV vaccination for MSD employees
In 2023, MSD’s Power to Protect and LiveEarnGrow initiatives partnered with the BENU Pharmacy Group to launch a program expanding HPV vaccination access for female employees aged 27–45, building on the existing MSD employee vaccination program. Since then, 60 women have received the HPV vaccine at BENU Pharmacies, marking significant progress in preventing HPV-related diseases among adults.
At the same time, Power to Protect continues to raise awareness about HPV prevention through interactive Lunch & Learn sessions, the HPV Ambassador Program (now with 185 active members), as well as educational newsletters and videos targeting young adults, parents, and women up to 45 years old.
Together, these efforts strengthen MSD Switzerland’s commitment to employee engagement, well-being, and public health — empowering individuals with knowledge, access to vaccination, and preventive care to advance health equity and cancer prevention across Switzerland.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)
At MSD, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) are top priorities, reflected in our commitment at the highest company levels. In Switzerland, we actively promote pay equity and sustainable gender parity, with the goal of achieving a balanced 50-50% gender representation across all roles.
To advance gender equality, MSD Switzerland partners with Advance, a leading Swiss business association for gender equality. Internally, our Gender Parity Workstream drives key initiatives such as the Inclusive Leader Journey training and Female Listening Circles, helping to create a more inclusive and empowering workplace culture.
Since 2022, MSD Switzerland has also been a proud supporter of Zurich Pride, a peaceful political demonstration that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising, marking the beginning of the global LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Through this ongoing engagement, we reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equality, and respect for all.
Volunteering
Through MSD’s Corporate Volunteering Program, employees can dedicate up to 40 working hours per year to support non-profit and charitable organizations. This initiative encourages employees to contribute their time and skills to causes that strengthen communities and promote social responsibility.
In 2024, MSD employees collectively spent more than 1,000 hours volunteering with various organizations across Switzerland — supporting education, health, and social impact projects.
To further expand these opportunities, in 2025 MSD Switzerland partnered with Copalana, a digital platform that connects volunteers with meaningful community projects. This partnership makes it easier for employees to find and participate in volunteer opportunities, helping broaden the program’s reach within the community and beyond.
Discover more about Copalana
Gender-neutral parental leave
At MSD Switzerland, we are committed to fostering work-life balance and advancing gender equality across all levels of our organization.
A milestone in this journey is our Gender-Neutral Parental Leave Policy, which offers 16 weeks of paid leave to all new parents, including in cases of adoption. This inclusive initiative ensures that both mothers and fathers have equal opportunity to care for their child, strengthen family bonds, and balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Through policies like these, MSD Switzerland continues to build a diverse, equitable, and supportive workplace, where every employee is empowered to thrive—both at work and at home.
LiveEarnGrow
The MSD Switzerland employee engagement and well-being program, LiveEarnGrow, is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and healthy workplace culture. It focuses on strengthening health, motivation, and belonging across all teams while enhancing employee engagement, wellness, and overall well-being through initiatives built on four key pillars: Prevention, Balance, Movement, and Fuel.
The program delivers a range of impactful health and well-being initiatives, including wellness programs, diversity and inclusion training, and sustainability projects that drive positive change within the organization and across local communities.
Examples of LiveEarnGrow activities include employee vaccination campaigns, Bike to Work challenges, yoga classes, the Pink Ribbon Walk, and nutrition workshops — all designed to promote physical and mental health, team spirit, and a sustainable lifestyle for MSD employees.
Financial literacy course for women
Financial literacy courses play a vital role in empowering women, reducing inequalities, and driving inclusive economic growth — creating long-term benefits for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
In 2024, MSD Switzerland developed and launched a comprehensive four-course financial literacy curriculum to strengthen financial knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills among employees.
To ensure lasting impact, recordings of all sessions have been made available for ongoing learning and professional development, enabling employees to access these resources at any time and continue building their financial well-being.
This initiative reflects MSD’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable empowerment through education, helping create a more informed and financially confident workforce.
CH-NON-03157, 02/2026
