Support staff facing fertility challenges

Infertility can be a sensitive and private matter for many employees, and some employers or managers may feel unsure about how to address it. This uncertainty can prevent employees from seeking the support they need. Employers should foster an open and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel safe to discuss fertility challenges without stigma or concern.

Support your employees facing fertility challenges and treatment

Providing effective support for wellbeing issues, including fertility challenges, can help individuals retain their employment and perform effectively in their roles. Steps to achieve this may include:

Get senior management buy-in

Having leadership support can help promote positive attitudes and increase awareness of fertility-related issues.

Align fertility policies with other workplace policies

Ensure fertility-related policies are consistent with existing policies on equal opportunities, health and wellbeing, sick leave, performance management, data protection, and flexible working. See develop a workplace fertility policy.

Involve staff with experience of fertility challenges

Consider engaging employees who have experience with fertility challenges to help inform workplace policies and raise awareness, ensuring others can access relevant support.

Offer training and education on fertility issues

Provide training sessions or webinars, either internally or with external experts, to improve understanding and encourage a supportive workplace culture. You can help break the taboo around fertility by providing education and awareness campaigns to all staff.

Train managers and relevant staff to support employees empathically and raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of fertility treatment.

Have regular one-to-one meetings

Schedule regular, informal one-on-one check-ins where employees can openly discuss health changes and explore tailored support to help them perform at their best.

Health, safety, and wellbeing of your staff

Ensure suitable rest breaks between shifts. Make reasonable adjustments to support the physical and psychological symptoms employees may experience during fertility treatment.

Provide access to facilities such as clean toilets, washrooms, and changing facilities. Staff should also have access to fresh drinking water and facilities for hot drinks.

Occupational health services

Offer occupational health referrals and support when relevant. You could also introduce practical wellbeing support, such as quiet rooms for breaks, employee assistance programmes including counselling, or mental health services focused on fertility challenges.

Appoint a fertility advocate

Assign a staff member to act as a point of contact for advice, support, or referrals to specialist organisations.

Provide multiple channels for fertility support

Recognise that not all employees may feel comfortable discussing fertility with their manager. Offer alternative support options through human resources, workplace champions, employee representatives, or trade unions.

Create a staff fertility network

Establish a network where employees can share experiences and offer peer support on fertility challenges in a confidential setting.

Recognise fertility awareness campaigns

Participate in relevant events, such as National Fertility Awareness Week, to promote awareness of fertility issues.

Manage absence and performance with compassion

Recognise that women undergoing treatment may experience difficult symptoms that could affect their work, but avoid assuming fertility treatment will negatively impact an employee’s performance. Each individual's experience with fertility challenges will be different.

Focus performance management on positive support tailored to individual needs, including health considerations. Use a flexible and individualised approach to absence management to prevent presenteeism and avoid unfair penalties. Be mindful that absence trigger points may cause concern for employees undergoing fertility treatment.

By following these recommendations, you can build an understanding and supportive environment for employees experiencing fertility challenges in the workplace. This will help retain staff, reduce stress, boost productivity, and create a more compassionate workplace for those undergoing fertility treatments or coping with infertility. It will also position you as a compassionate and family-friendly employer.