How Merck used people analytics to build a tech-driven operating model

Merck Group, a leading Germany-headquartered global life science and technology company, is at the forefront of utilising HR technology transformation for efficient business processes.

In a recent conversation, Alexis Saussinan, global head of organisation development and people analytics of Merck Group revealed the three ways in which people analytics is a driving agent.

Building a context to the change process, Saussinan said: “At Merck, we are looking at the manager journey, as required - to understand the implications of change from a people point of view. We are using a business-focused and user-centric approach, to understand and improve the usage of analytics how long, where and what for reasons users look at analytics.”

He added that the big idea was not to drive each and everything using analytics; rather that the right level and amount of analytics must be available to support any decisions, without overwhelming managers.

Balancing the acidic and alkaline

In proceeding with the change process, Saussinan highlighted the key challenges faced in the current environment, the first of which is “the ability to think of technology holistically - as part of a broader, digitisation, employee-experience focused strategy.”

He strongly believes that technology, in this context, needs to be employee / user focused while the organisation should be the enabler.” For example, Merck now has a mobile people analytics app enabling some 3,000 managers and HR employees to access real-time analytics data for their units.

However, he pointed out that, that this is not just HR's imperative - "the direction and buy-in has to come from the management and leadership." He takes an example, sharing that Merck is thinking of reviewing its technologies to improve the seamless user experience for the employees.

The second challenge in Saussinan's view is around data accessibility, security, and confidentiality, in light of all the cyber threats we're facing today.

In response to these, Saussinan and the team at Merck have built a forward-looking partnership strategy, for instance with Works Councils for Merck’s journey towards building a more digital organisation with an analytical approach.

Saussinan will be sharing his story, and the baby steps that have led to giant leaps, at the upcoming conference, HR Tech Interactive 2017, Singapore. Scheduled on 14 September at Intercontinental Singapore, Saussinan will take the stage in a room filled with 100 senior level HR professionals for the inaugural case study session.

If you would like to hear his story amongst others, such as Jacely Voon Hui Mien (head of regional rewards and HR programmes management, Fuji Xerox), and Nellie Yuen (vice-president HR – East Asia & Japan, Schneider Electric), click here now to request for an invite.