Did you know: In the UK 1% of all births are via In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and the overall success of IVF in the UK is 25%2.
The relationship between fertility and mental health needs to be better understood, in society but especially in the workplace.
The emotional and physical impact of fertility treatment are two big challenges for those who are going through the process, however under employment law in the UK there’s currently no legal right to time off work for IVF treatment or related sickness3. Only once the final part of the IVF treatment is completed, known as ‘embryo transfer,’ do pregnancy rights come into effect.
Going through the process of trying for a baby is a private and personal one, therefore many find it difficult to discuss their fertility in the workplace.
The treatment leading up to a potential pregnancy is complex and often inflexible, it might include but is not limited to:
-
- Weekly hospital appointments
- Daily injections
- Ultrasound scans
- Taking daily medication
- Egg collection procedure
- Sperm sample collection
- Embryo transfer procedures
- Menstrual cycle tracking
With no legal right to time off from work to undergo this activity, coupled with a reluctance to share what is happening with their employer, it is no wonder that:
-
- 68% of those undergoing fertility treatment felt their mental wellbeing was impacted4
- 69.5% also took sick leave during treatment
These statistics demonstrate the importance of creating an environment where employees feel they can discuss their fertility in the workplace, in confidence.
Why are we thinking about fertility in the workplace?
You may ask why we are discussing fertility in the workplace at all. It’s an important area for businesses to consider for a number of reasons:
-
- for employers to have an appreciation of an employee’s fertility journey
- the links between fertility and mental health
- the need for time off for fertility treatment
- impacts on an employee’s work
- to understand what employers can do to provide support
These are vital areas that any business should be considering, to help employees continue to thrive at work.
How Can Employers Help support employees through fertility treatment?
It can be difficult to understand how an employer can offer help to employees when they might not actually know who in their workforce is struggling with this issue. Yet, there are steps which can be taken to ensure everyone is aware of how the company plans to support someone should the situation arise.
Here are five possible options for creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing the impact of their fertility in the workplace with their line manager and HR.
1. Fertility Policy
Employers should consider having a people policy in place which outlines the organisation’s stance on fertility treatment. This policy can clearly explain to employees how and when the organisation will support them if they undergo a fertility journey. This policy could outline what support is offered by the employer for all distinct aspects of fertility treatment. IVF isn’t the only option an employee has to become a parent.
Most organisations have policies in place for life events such as maternity and paternity along with sick and compassionate leave. Having a fertility policy would complement other life event policies that HR (Human Resources) will already have in place.
Policies also demonstrate to employees that an employer is forward-thinking and has considered all aspects of life that could impact their workforce. Having a fertility policy demonstrates that the employer cares.
2. Flexible Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on people’s lives around the world however for 83% of those undergoing a fertility journey they reported the pandemic made managing fertility treatment easier5. The privacy and ability to work flexibly from home allows those on a fertility journey to attend their appointments and complete home treatments with discretion and ease without unwanted questions. Having a working culture which embraces flexible working means colleagues can be reassured that if they needed time away from work for treatment or time off work for IVF, they could do so with little workplace disruption.
3. Awareness Activities
Employees and prospective employees consider the social consciousness of an organisation just as much as benefits and role profiles. Being proactive about topics of concern demonstrates that wellbeing concerns are recognised.
Holding awareness days or weeks where employees can learn about a given topic helps to normalise topics. Making topics more common place or visible can make them no longer a ‘difference’ and this can in turn make employees feel included.
National Infertility Awareness Week usually takes place in the last week of April each year.
4. Employee Benefits
Employee benefits are a fantastic way of supporting employees. Review what benefits are offered to employees and identify medical support and wellbeing services which can help those considering starting a family. Some organisations are offering financial benefits for those undergoing a fertility journey6. This is a fantastic way for organisations to support employees but also show they are a socially conscious employer. Typically, conversations around fertility focus on white heterosexual couples however fertility transcends, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and relationship status7.
5. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a fantastic way of supporting employees anonymously. EAP is normally a phone-based service offered to employees to help deal with personal problems that might impact their:
-
- performance at work
- health
- wellbeing
EAP service providers are completely anonymous. Reminding employees that this service is available can help solve the problem of reluctance to discuss their fertility journey with their managers.
Digital Learning To Support Your Business
Supporting a healthy, happy workforce is important to ensure the wellbeing of your employees, teams and the organisation.
Our recently released Fertility and Workplace Wellbeing learning module is part of our well established Mental Health & Wellbeing eLearning content catalogue.
If you’d like to find out more about how Access Digital Learning can help improve mental health and wellbeing in your organisation get in touch and we’d be happy to talk to you.
Links
1 Information taken from Fertility Network UK.
2 Information taken from UK Health Centre.
3 Information taken from ACAS.
4 Information taken from Business Industry.
5 Information taken from Fertility Matters at Work.
6 Information taken from BBC.
7 Information taken from Harvard Business Review.