Merck, Edwards Lifesciences, Daiichi Sankyo and Telix crowned Excellence Awardees: Australian HR Awards

Merck, Edwards Lifesciences, Daiichi Sankyo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals have emerged as Excellence Awardees at the Australian HR Awards, highlighting their innovative approaches to employee support and workplace culture.

Merck received acclaim in the Best Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program category for its global Fertility Benefit, launched to all Australian employees in 2024.

Josie Downey, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare in Australia, welcomed the recognition, noting the timing during Women’s Health Week.

“It is really meaningful that we have been recognised for our inclusive Fertility Benefit during Women’s Health Week, which this year is all about saying yes to women’s health,” she said.

“One way we can make it easier for women in the workplace is to support our employees and their partners on their journey to parenthood whether they are on that journey alone, or in a relationship,” Downey added.

Merck’s Fertility Benefit offers a generous financial contribution to employees, regardless of gender or relationship status, complementing other benefits including paid parental leave, personal and carers leave, compassionate leave, charity leave, and family and domestic violence leave.

“Merck understands that the decision to have a child is an intensely personal one, and we are proud of the support we offer all our employees to help with the financial and emotional toll infertility may place on employees’ lives,” Downey said.

With one in six people worldwide facing infertility, Merck recognises the importance of equipping employees and their families with resources to prioritise health and wellbeing while planning a family.

“Easy to understand health information can make what can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience easier, empowering people faced by infertility, throughout their journey, whether they are the one undergoing treatment or it’s someone they know,” Downey said. “This recognition is a testament to Merck’s leadership in supporting our employees and their partners, with a generous and inclusive benefit which now covers 100% of our global workforce.”

Rebecca Lee, Managing Director of Merck Life Science in Australia and New Zealand, emphasised that the Fertility Benefit was designed using employee feedback to address real needs.

“We intentionally made the Benefit as inclusive as it could be and aligned to our purpose. Now every employee can access support for fertility treatment if they need it,” Lee said. “We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and this recognition underscores our ongoing efforts to be an employer of choice in our industry. It motivates us to continue fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging that supports our employees.”

Edwards Lifesciences stood out with an impressive four awards; Australian HR Team of the Year (≤1000 Employees), Best Health & Wellbeing Program, Best Reward & Recognition Program, and Employer of Choice (100–999 Employees). This remarkable achievement reflects the company’s sustained commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Daiichi Sankyo earned recognition in Best Workplace Flexibility Program and Employer of Choice (1–99 Employees), while Telix Pharmaceuticals was celebrated for its Best Workplace Flexibility Program.

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