Merck is driven by a passion for research and discovery. Their work spans three different business sectors - healthcare, life science and performance materials - and provides life-changing ideas and breakthroughs. After outgrowing their Castle Hill and Frenchs Forest premises, they needed a workplace that was inspiring and vibrant but that also considered the needs of multiple teams and their varied responsibilities and workstyles.
To address the convergence of various teams, their office layout is designed around task-specific neighbourhoods or ‘zones.’ As staff move from high traffic areas like the breakout; open workstations and collaboration zones give way to focus pods and quiet rooms, many featuring multiple work options and sit-to-stand desks. The office also has bespoke features such as a lab, training rooms and a library.
Merck have a fantastic workplace culture and their unique brand reflects the company’s curiosity and vibrancy.
To support this, the design included features like glazing film graphics on pylons throughout the office, inspiring scientific quotes in their meeting rooms, and the strategic use of their brand colours in each zone.
Moving from very traditional, siloed offices to activity based working, it was important to ensure employees were not thrown into a new way of working without a considered plan. Workshops were conducted to enable Merck to determine the best way of working to suit their future business goals.
Feedback from Merck has been incredibly positive with Leah Goodman, Merck Healthcare’s Managing Director and General Manager for Australia/New Zealand stating, “This is a very significant milestone... This workspace has been designed to encourage productivity, creativity and employee wellbeing, and is aligned with Merck’s global mission to apply its scientific expertise to making a positive difference to people’s lives.”
