Ms. Ghislaine Dondellinger, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare Vietnam, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, talks with The Saigon Times about “How to support women to achieve a work-life balance” on the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20th.
As a top leader in your company, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what advice would you offer to women striving to achieve the same?
As a company leader, achieving a work-life balance requires clear rules and flexibility. One key rule is dedicating time to my family, planning vacations and days off to ensure they have my full attention. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes adjustments are necessary, so it’s important to be comfortable breaking your own rules when needed. I encourage everyone, especially women, to be kind to themselves and recognize that perfection is unattainable. I’m grateful for my supportive husband and children, who understand and take pride of my leadership role.
Having held several high-level positions across different countries and continents, how do you see the working environment for women in Vietnam? Additionally, with 70% of the staff being women, what specific benefits does your company offer to support your female employees?
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of women in leadership and non-leadership roles in Vietnam, which instilled confidence in the country’s future. Women have a unique ability to care about their actions’ impact on the community, which bodes well for Vietnam’s growth. The saying, “Happy women, happy family,” highlights the interconnectedness of happiness in families and communities. To strengthen women’s roles, we provide support so they don’t have to choose between career and family. Our initiatives include travel support for pregnant employees, postnatal services, early leave on Fridays for young women, and fertility treatment coverage up to VND400 million. We are committed to help women succeed in their careers while fulfilling personal lives.
Could you share more about this groundbreaking policy and how it can serve as a role model and case study for other companies in promoting support and care for women?
I want to raise awareness about the important issue of declining fertility rates, which we’ve studied as a company. Globally, many countries have birth rates below the ideal replacement rate of 2.1, leading to rapid aging—problems already evident in Japan (1.2) and Korea (0.76). In Vietnam, the birth rate has dropped to 1.96 in 2023, falling below the replacement level of 2.1, particularly low in big cities due to urban lifestyles and career pressures that delay family planning. We would love to inspire other companies that they support their employees to have a family while advancing careers. A healthy work-life balance boosts creativity and productivity. I hope more leaders in Vietnam recognize this. I also aim to communicate this message to both English and Vietnamese speakers to inspire action.
Do you believe being a woman leader gives you an advantage in understanding and creating innovative benefit programs for female employees, compared to a male leader?
I believe in maintaining a balance in the workplace by involving both men and women. It’s important for men to see and appreciate the contributions of women, helping to create a more supportive environment. While I’m proud that most of my team is female, I value balance. As a woman leader, I understand the unique challenges women face in the workplace, having experienced them myself—whether it’s being passed over for promotions or not being considered for leadership roles. However, I don’t dwell on these challenges. Instead, I focus on providing equal opportunities for women, particularly in learning and development. In my experience, men often have more opportunities for advancement because they have fewer interruptions in their careers. That’s why I make sure young women, regardless of their personal circumstances, have access to training. Women bring sustainability to the workplace, and a balanced gender perspective leads to stronger outcomes for the future.
How do you incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into your company culture, particularly for women? What impact has this had on the workplace?
Incorporating DEIB into our culture is a top priority, particularly in supporting women. We promote diversity through inclusive hiring, address gender pay gaps, and ensure equal career advancement opportunities. Our employee resource groups provide women with networking and support, and our SpeakUp Line ensures all voices are heard. We foster a sense of belonging by celebrating women’s achievements and involving them in decision-making processes. We also offer clubs like Zumba and sports to support a work-life balance and celebrate key events such as International Women’s Day. This focus on DEIB has increased employee satisfaction, retention, and women in leadership roles, boosting innovation and collaboration company-wide.
What advice do you have for other companies on creating a sustainable work environment for all employees, especially women? What key factors should they consider to ensure success and efficiency?
My advice is straightforward: listen to your female employees and understand their unique challenges. Create policies that address their needs and ensure equal opportunities for career growth, making gender diversity a priority. Key factors for creating a sustainable work environment include leadership commitment, tailored programs for women’s specific needs, continuous learning through regular training, and inclusive decision-making that values diverse perspectives. By focusing on these strategies, companies can foster an equitable workplace where all employees, especially women, can thrive and contribute fully.
Do you have any tips or insights that you would like to share with other women leaders?
They should prioritize listening to employees and the external world to understand their needs. They must co-create solutions, whether policies or processes, and foster a growth mindset environment where everyone acknowledges they don’t know everything and embraces learning.
How do you, as a woman leader, ensure that you have quality time for yourself outside of work?
I maintain a routine that includes at least 20 minutes of yoga each morning to nurture my mind and stay present. When traveling too much or feeling overwhelmed, I listen to my body and adjust my schedule for self-care, like getting a massage. I encourage my employees to prioritize their well-being by resting and engaging in activities that make them happy.
Who is the most inspiring woman in your life?
My grandmother. A strong woman who lived through World War II. She had an incredible life and was always full of joy.
Also, there is a book about an inspiring woman called “The Art of Joy” by Goliarda Sapienza which was recommended to me 12 years ago during my first pregnancy. It was powerful, prompting me to reread it three years later. The book chronicles a woman’s journey of resilience, courage, and infinite possibilities.
What are your expectations for Merck Healthcare Vietnam in the future?
We aim to be the best in our field across all areas of our business. We want to be well-known and recognized as a company that makes a positive impact on society. Our goal is for employees to come to work every day with a strong sense of purpose.
Thanks so much for your sharing!
