Fertility In The Workplace is here to help employers gain a better appreciation of what infertility and fertility treatment entails for employees, as well as how it may impact on their colleagues and managers, to enable companies to provide much needed understanding and support.
Raising awareness and providing education and support in all workplaces.
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1 in 6 of us worldwide are currently experiencing fertility problems, and all of those affected are of working age.
The issue of fertility health is sadly neglected in the UK – even though most people consider having children as the most important decision of their lives.
Infertility is recognised by the World Health organisation as a disease of the reproductive system and should be handled at work in the same way as any other health condition, however it is often considered to be a non-medical condition and even a ‘life-style choice’.
At Fertility Network UK we have shown repeatedly that most people experiencing fertility problems are reluctant to speak to their employer, because they fear it may have a detrimental effect on their career. We know it is not uncommon for staff to end up reducing their hours or quitting their job if they are unable to balance work and fertility issues. This can be a challenge for employers both operationally and financially, and why a growing number of firms now have a fertility policy in place, outlining the help available – they appreciate a supportive workplace is good for business as well as for employees.
Fertility in the Workplace can help!
Download our Workplace Support Packages Brochure here
Take your first steps towards understanding how you can introduce fertility fairness in your workplace, download our support package information brochure.
Our Employer Information & Resources Pack includes:
- Why Fertility in the Workplace Matters.
- What Employees Need
- Resources to support avenues through Fertility Network UK (FNUK)
- What to expect from IVF, IUI & OI
- FAQs
- Lived Experience
- Workplace Support Information & Testimonials
Our Employee Workplace Support Pack includes:
- What to Expect from IVF, IUI & OI
- Starting workplace conversations (including an email template)
- What to expect from your clinic
- Resources to support avenues through Fertility Network UK (FNUK)
- Downloadable Employer Information and Resources Pack
Having a good understanding of what fertility treatments can involve and recognising that this is not a choice but a medical condition, can make all the difference to an employee in trying to juggle this difficult journey alongside their workplace commitments. Understanding from employers and colleagues that fertility treatments do not always have a happy ending is also crucial, as the assumption that if someone is having fertility treatments means they will be leaving to have a baby can be a very damaging one.
NEW DIRECTIVE IN SCOTLAND, ENGLAND AND WALES RECOMMENDS PAID TIME OFF FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY PREGNANCY LOSS.
Sadly, pregnancy loss can affect up to 1 in 4 of pregnancies. For fertility patients who have often endured a long and harrowing fertility journey, the trauma and emotional consequences can often trigger isolation along with depression and/or anxiety as well as PTSD.
A new Directive has come into force for those affected by pregnancy loss in Scotland, England and Wales which aims to support and protect employees with recommendations for two week’s leave to be offered by employers. Here at FiTW we encourage all companies to update their policy to offer at least 3 days paid leave following pregnancy loss and preferably the full two weeks paid leave that the Directive recommends. Please note that this new policy will eventually become legislation that will oblige employers to adopt these recommendations.
If you require any further information, or help in writing your fertility policy, please contact us.
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Flexibility & understanding is key!
Contact our team to find out more about how you can advocate for fertility fairness in your organisation.
