It is believed that 1 in 6 people are impacted by fertility challenges globally. That is estimated to be 17.5% of the adult population. In addition to the stark number of those affected, there is another stand-out matter here; people impacted. It is often the case that fertility challenges and treatment are perceived to be a female issue, but this is very much a people issue.
These numbers show us how prevalent fertility challenges are and considering that those most likely to experience such difficulties will be of working age, it is naïve for employers to think that their workforce won’t be impacted by this issue at some point.
Stigma and misconceptions
Sadly, there is still a stigma surrounding the fertility conversation in the workplace. A 2023 study, Paths to parenthood, found that 43% of workers who went through fertility treatment faced negative remarks from their colleagues and 1 in 5 UK workers resigned from their job as a result of poor experiences in the workplace. This shows the crucial role that employers play in supporting their employees through this.
There is often the misconception that fertility treatment is a lifestyle choice, but we must see this for what it is, a medical issue. The first step in fostering a fertility friendly workplace, as with many topics, is creating awareness and providing education on the subject. Many businesses with a largely male population feel that they don’t need to do this, but the data shows us that this is not the case. 50% of the time in a heterosexual relationship, it is the male that is experiencing the fertility challenge. We must also consider the LGBTQ+ community and those who wish to solo parent.
The role of the manager
The role of the manager cannot be overlooked. There is a huge expectation on managers in today’s workplace, but they haven’t necessarily had the training to deal with these sensitive conversations. There is often a fear of saying the wrong thing and a lack of understanding, and that is why management training is so important. Managers aren’t medical professionals; they are not expected to have all the answers. But they do need to be equipped to handle these situations with compassion, sensitivity and to be able to signpost to both internal and external support.
Implementing a fertility policy
Implementing an accessible fertility policy is crucial. A policy is the first thing an employee going through treatment or challenges will seek to find. It’s indicative of the culture surrounding the subject in the workplace and will often give an employee the confidence to then initiate a conversation with their manager because they know it’s a topic that is recognised internally.
A fertility policy must be inclusive. We know this is a people issue and that fertility challenges do not discriminate. Therefore, getting the tone right is pivotal. We must remember that those reading the policy will be facing emotional, financial, and even physical distress. The policy should provide the employee with everything they need to know about the support provided before, during and after treatment and challenges. The policy should also signpost the benefits offered by the employer such as flexible working and time off for treatment to external support.
The benefit for businesses
For businesses, it’s a no brainer. There is a war on talent and employers are having to evaluate their benefits offering and workplace culture more than ever to retain and attract the best talent. 4 in 10 UK workers are more likely to apply for a job at a fertility friendly company due to feeling that they can bring their whole self to work and 74% of those who received workplace support through their fertility journey said that it strengthened their loyalty to their employer.
For employers it can at times feel overwhelming at the thought of implementing new policies and training but remember, you’re not alone. So, wherever you are on your journey of becoming a fertility friendly employer, contact us at JourneyHR R and we can support and guide you through creating a policy, benefits package and training that is tailored to the needs of your people and business.