MSD reshapes PH workplace future with medical innovations

FOR over 125 years globally, and for 25 years in the country, MSD in the Philippines has been researching and developing medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases.

With unwavering focus, MSD looks for medical innovations that improve health and save lives throughout the world with its strong workforce at the core in this culture to drive breakthrough healthcare innovations and business success.

“Patients first. All our actions must be measured against our responsibility to those who use or need our products, ” HR Leader Marese de Vera said, citing the company’s four core values — Patients First, Ethics and Integrity, Respect for People, and Innovation and Scientific Excellence.

When community quarantine was enforced, MSD immediately took steps to address possible fear and anxiety among its employees, and provide support in order for the organization to continue its operations.

“MSD is focused on protecting the safety of its employees and their families, ensuring that our supply of medicines and vaccines reach our patients and customers. We also support healthcare providers, through the PHAP Cares Foundation, to make sure frontliners are protected from this pandemic,” Corporate Affairs Director Mike Blanch said.

“Inventing for Life,” MSD’s battlecry, guides the culture of innovation that pervades across the organization. Innovation likewise manifests in the company’s robust values-based HR practices — allowing employees to work-from-home during quarantine and provided employees with tools, applications, and equipment to make remote work a success.

The move from a traditional office setup to a semi-open space also encouraged employees to break barriers, communicate openly and think creatively.

“The fact that our workplace is set for the future helps us stay ahead. This drives the sustainability of the organization,” de Vera said.