Merck Named One of America's Most Just Companies by Forbes and JUST Capital, Earning the Highest Ranking in Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
The Forbes JUST 100 recognizes companies doing right by all their stakeholders – workers, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders – as defined by the American public
Merck is honored to be named one of America’s Most JUST Companies, earning the highest ranking in pharmaceuticals & biotech and the top spot among the industry for customers. This is the fourth year in row that Merck has been recognized for its commitment to serving its workers, customers, communities, the environment, and shareholders.
Through vigorous, objective analysis, the Forbes JUST 100 evaluates and celebrates U.S. corporations that outperform on the issues that matter most to the American public – like paying a fair wage, upholding human rights across the supply chain, investing in worker training, acting ethically and with integrity, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace, protecting worker health and safety, providing good benefits and work-life balance, and more. By striving to meet the needs of all stakeholders, JUST 100 leaders demonstrate that profits and purpose go hand in hand.
“We are honored to be recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies by Forbes and JUST Capital.” said Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe that serving social good and securing long-term business success are deeply interdependent. Being recognized as an industry leader in the Forbes JUST 100 speaks to the strength of our commitment to responsible business practices that guide our steps and ensure we do the right thing for all stakeholders, especially during these challenging times.”
The annual Rankings evaluate the 1,000 largest public U.S. companies across 19 issues, identified through the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on public attitudes toward responsible corporate behavior, engaging 4,469 American respondents in 2020 and over 110,000 total participants over the past seven years.
JUST Capital expanded this year’s methodology to capture 38 COVID-19 specific data points from their COVID-19 Corporate Response Tracker. The new analysis includes hourly wages increases, paid sick leave, and healthcare benefits for furloughed employees (Workers); payment deferrals, price cuts, and services for vulnerable groups (Customers); cash or in-kind donations to support community relief (Communities); and CEO, or executive, pay cuts (Shareholders).
“Now more than ever, business leaders have the chance to spark lasting systemic change within their companies and across society,” said Forbes Senior Editor Steven Bertoni. “The companies in this year’s JUST 100 show that we can face the twin tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial inequality and continue to improve our actions and refocus our missions to do better, and be better, for all stakeholders.”
“In the face of a global pandemic, economic recession, and national reckoning with racial injustice, the American public is demanding more from our corporate leaders than ever before,” said Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital. “The companies featured in the 2021 JUST 100 list have stepped up in service of their workers, customers, and communities this year while delivering long-term value to shareholders.”
Learn more about Merck’s overall commitment to corporate responsibility, in the latest 2019-2020 CR Report.
