From survey to solutions: Tackling diversity and inclusion gaps through an inclusion task force

As a company, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (hereinafter “MSD”), strives to create an environment of mutual respect, inclusion, and accountability in all areas. However, an internal survey revealed that inclusion scores were notably low within the research unit called Health Economic and Decision Sciences (HEDS) Vaccines 1 . Acknowledging the moral imperative, comprehensive value, and proven efficacy gained from diversity and inclusion, the HEDS Vaccines team took immediate action to address the issue. An Inclusion Task Force was established, and the team set out to obtain accurate data to assess the current state of diversity and formulate effective, sustainable solutions to promote cultural diversity and inclusion and institutionalize these mechanisms within the department to ensure diversity in the future. The team developed sustainable recommendations to enhance diversity within the HEDS Vaccines team and created solutions to enhance inclusion within MSD.