It’s a simple fact that having children changes your life.
As such, most employers have clear legislation-guided policies in place, which allow for these natural and expected life-changes.
Soon-to-be parents understand that they are entitled to a certain amount of leave, some of which is paid. They will be encouraged to keep in touch with their employer during their leave, as a temporary replacement is asked to step in and cover their work.
When they return, they will be expected to ease back into their role slowly, and they will have the option to request flexible working if needed. Their employment rights are, of course, fully protected throughout.
But for those employees who struggle to conceive, support and guidance can be much harder to come by.
More than a third of fertility patients feel their career has been damaged as a result of fertility treatment.
This sobering fact was reported in a recent article for The Guardian. Written by Zeynep Gurtin, a fertility consultant and a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, it discusses the findings from an eye-opening study published by Fertility Network UK.
The study, entitled ‘The far-reaching trauma of infertility’, concluded that only 25% of the 1,300 UK fertility patients surveyed “reported the existence of a supportive workplace policy.” While the majority had told their employers that they were undergoing fertility treatment, “less than half (47%) said reasonable adjustments were made for them.”
Fertility treatment is an emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t stop.
Gurtin underwent IVF treatment herself. Her article discusses the need she felt to “stay professionally productive during the most emotionally challenging period of my life.” When she sadly miscarried her longed-for IVF twins, she felt there was “no other option but to plough on as if nothing had happened.”
(The story has a happy ending, as Gurtin later gave birth to an IVF baby, though this happened only after she endured four miscarriages.)
Although 83% of the study’s respondents felt “sad, frustrated and worried often or all of the time” – distressingly, 40% experienced suicidal feelings – many employees feel they cannot disclose their fertility treatment to their employers. They simply have no idea whether they will be supported or penalised, and many simply cannot take the risk.
Yet clearly, even those employers who have appropriate policies in place have more work to do.
Promote accessibility and awareness
Implementing an accessible workplace fertility policy is an excellent start. However, employers must also ensure their employees are aware that support exists.
Line managers should be trained to hold open conversations about fertility treatment and its effects. Employees must be similarly encouraged to request flexible working and reasonable adjustments where needed, for example to attend appointments.
Going one step further, several large UK employers (including NatWest Group, Metro Bank, and Channel Four) have committed to a voluntary fertility workplace pledge, launched by Nickie Aitken, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster.
Along with devising an accessible fertility policy, the pledge includes staff training and workplace awareness, “to create an open culture free from stigma; to make sure employees feel comfortable in the workplace; and to prevent the best talent from leaving.”
The right support is vital
Our qualified specialists at Beyond EAP have worked successfully with fertility patients for many years.
We offer confidential, personally-tailored conception and adoption support that helps employees effectively manage life and work, as they navigate the often bumpy road to parenthood in their own ways.
Our bespoke sessions focus on balancing work and appointments, as well as covering important topics that include decision-making, acceptance, stress management, and coping strategies.
To find out more, please contact us.