Come As You Are
LGBTQ+ employees around the world share personal stories about what it means to bring their whole selves to work at Merck
It can be as simple as sharing your weekend plans with coworkers, or having a photo of your partner on your desk. When you feel free to be yourself at work, even the seemingly small things can have a big impact on your happiness and wellbeing.
Still, many employees struggle with the decision to reveal aspects of their identities they worry may be problematic for co-workers and managers. They end up “covering” those parts of themselves—whether it’s being gay, being a parent, practicing a certain religion, or having a disability—in order to avoid discomfort or discrimination.
Covering is emotionally draining. It can lead to poor performance at work, not to mention feelings of isolation and depression.
Five of our LGBTQ+ colleagues from around the world—in the U.S., U.K., Colombia, Poland, and Japan—share their own experiences with the fear and anxiety of covering, and the joy of finding freedom at a workplace that encourages them to be themselves.
Read their stories here and learn more about the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in their Corporate Responsibility Report.
