The Fawcett Society has published guidance on fertility at work. Its research highlights that women experience the effects of infertility more profoundly than men.
A survey of 2,000 workers who had undergone fertility treatment in the last five years found that 68% did not tell HR, 59% did not tell their manager, 43% said they experienced negative comments at work and 19% resigned.
The employer guidance offers some recommendations to assist employers on how to effectively manage the growing impact of fertility related matters within the workplace. These include:
- Fertility policy- This should clearly outline an employee’s entitlement in respect of fertility support and flexible leave. It is best practice to offer paid leave for fertility appointments, flexible working, mental health support and sickness leave.
- Training for managers- It is important for managers to feel empowered to have two way supportive conversations with their employees.
- Wellbeing- Encouraging wellbeing within the company through wellbeing health first aiders and counselling services.
- Recruitment- Include fertility friendly benefits when advertising job adverts.
- Culture- Promote an inclusive culture by implementing wellbeing initiatives such as monitoring and support groups.
Click here to read the guidance – https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=9c88d40b-1351-4d6b-ad93-a65663caf226
