Wants to be innovative, can't figure out how. Under large amount of change - GOT THE PACKAGE - Associate Director Merck Employee Review

2.0
24 Apr 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

good pay, very flexible working arrangements. Remote work I enjoyed working from home. All of my contacts were in other sites and because Merck didn't want to pay for travel they wanted everything to be done via WebEx. I got moved from an office to a cubical the size of a phone booth. I gave up my office because no one I worked with was there, contractors were offsite as well as the customers (Asia, Europe, and other Merck Sites). Loved that part of the job.

Cons

very process heavy. Company trying to streamline but still clings to heavy process and approvals from multiple levels. No raises beyond cost of living. No in-place promotions. New positions are "hidden" and candidates are favored. I was laid off in an effort to consolidate jobs. I'm not bitter, but as a company, Merck is confused and trying really hard to be all the buzz words; lean, efficient, innovative, blah, blah blah. The goals are so vague and full of CIO speak it's hard to see the real reason you should be doing something. They talk the game but know nothing. Management is too busy covering their own butts.

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5.0
9 June 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pension plan is great with high proportion

Cons

Slow promotion and too much meetings

4.0
2 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Over my tenure, I had the opportunity to work alongside highly talented and mission-driven colleagues dedicated to improving patient outcomes. The organization provided exposure to cross-functional collaboration, leadership development opportunities, and meaningful work supporting healthcare providers, patients, and community stakeholders. I appreciated the company's commitment to innovation, professional growth, and serving patients through scientific advancement.

Cons

Like many large organizations, priorities and organizational structures evolved over time, which occasionally created uncertainty and changes in responsibilities. Decision-making processes could sometimes be complex due to the size of the organization, and navigating multiple layers of stakeholders occasionally impacted speed and execution.

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