Across the UK and Ireland, the press are reporting that infertile employees aren’t getting the correct support from employers. In the UK, around 3.5 million are affected by infertility. This has a major life impact with some 90% reporting a degree of depression associated with the condition. Workers facing fertility struggles also report financial hardship and an impact on their work performance.
Yet, employers are not always sympathetic to this issue. Fertility issues are still taboo in offices, despite evidence that workers need extra support when going through treatment. Research by LinkedIn and Fertility UK asked couples from the UK and Ireland if they discussed fertility with their employer. A staggering two thirds reported that they won’t discuss fertility issues with their employers. The research also found that less than half of employees with fertility struggles feel supported at work. Many claimed they hadn’t discussed their issues with their employer for fear it would hamper their career prospects. Despite the fact that 51% said they needed to take time off work for medical reasons.
60% of those surveyed said they wanted to keep their personal and professional lives separate
The research also highlighted that employers, even with HR departments lacked training on sensitive issues such as miscarriage or IVF.
70% of employees were more likely to discuss a fertility issue at work if managers received training. Almost half of Irish women who suffered a miscarriage or who experienced fertility issues did not tell their employer. Gender also played a part. Just over a fifth said they were uncomfortable to discuss fertility issues if their manager was of the opposite sex.
Finally, a large proportion also felt that they did not want their issues to be a topic of workplace conversation. 31% said they did not want to have to tell colleagues if their attempts to conceive a baby were unsuccessful.
Lisa Finnegan, Senior HR Director, LinkedIn, said, “We need to raise awareness of the diverse fertility journeys that people undergo. They need to feel comfortable starting the conversation at the beginning of that journey. This research shows that there are a multitude of ways to support employees struggling with fertility. I hope our findings will encourage more employers to begin their own discussions on the topic.”
On the positive side, another study found that when employers are informed of the circumstances they CAN be very supportive. Commenting on this other study, Fertility UK said, “Those who disclosed their fertility issues received more days off. Those who received more employer support reported lower levels of distress. The decision to tell your employer you are having fertility struggles is a personal and difficult one. Having someone to talk to either within or outside your workplace can help ease the stress and loneliness.”
What measures can be introduced?
Employees with fertility issues suggested:
- Flexible working options for those undergoing fertility treatment
- Parental leave during egg retrieval or insemination
- Paid time off and financial assistance for treatment
Fertility UK advises having a dedicated HR policy in place with an explicit mention of fertility treatment. This allows people undergoing fertility treatment to know that employers recognise the struggle they are going through. Crucially, it should open up confidential dialogues between staff and managers. This would mean employees won’t feel the need to keep their struggles to themselves.
Fertility UK said, “If employers and HR teams take time to familiarise themselves with treatment. This can really help with conversations and understand what is maybe required. Enabling people time off, working at home or flexible hours can be good for staff retention and welfare.”
