Support staff facing fertility challenges

Fertility investigations and treatments often require time off work and other workplace adjustments. It is important for employees to feel comfortable disclosing their situation to their line manager for support.

Develop a workplace fertility policy

You should develop a dedicated fertility policy, separate from maternity or parental leave policies, that outlines support measures, paid leave for fertility treatments, and a clear process for requesting time off. Ensure the policy is inclusive for all genders, sexual orientations, and family structures. Your workplace fertility policy should:

Define fertility treatments covered

Clearly define terms so employees understand which treatments the policy addresses.

Explain the fertility support available

Outline any support available. This could include assistance with emotional, physical, and financial aspects. The policy should communicate the employer's commitment to a supportive environment.

Outline procedures for requesting leave and support

Include details on special leave, sick leave, and compassionate leave for medical appointments and treatment-related recovery. Specify reporting structures and any paid leave entitlements.

Include flexible working arrangements

Outline flexible working arrangements, such as adjusted hours, hybrid work, or reduced workloads, to accommodate medical appointments and treatment side effects.

Protect employee confidentiality

Outline how the policy will help ensure the confidentiality of employees’ fertility-related information, thereby building trust and encouraging open communication.

Provide signposts to support services

Signpost and connect employees to internal and external resources, such as specialist fertility support organisations, peer groups, and professional services that help with financial hardship related to fertility treatment.

Be easily accessible

Make the fertility policy accessible and visible as a separate document, rather than burying it within maternity or other policies, so employees can easily find it when needed. Incorporate related policies such as maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage, and LGBTQ+ policies for consistency and comprehensive coverage. Regularly communicate the fertility policy and encourage feedback from employees to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Monitor and review workplace policies

Regularly evaluate fertility-related policies and management guidance to ensure they are effective, align with other workplace policies, and are clearly communicated to managers and staff.