The Fertility Matters At Work team and Deutsche Bank hosted “The F Word at Work” live event on November 4, 2024, in partnership with wellbeing tech company Headspace. The event focused on how employers can better support employees navigating fertility challenges and foster a more inclusive, understanding work environment.
Fostering Open Conversations on Fertility:
Claire Ingle, co-founder of Fertility Matters At Work highlighted the importance of HR support for employees dealing with fertility issues.
“Fertility doesn’t just impact people in the here and now; it affects their career journey,” she said.
Many employees feel reluctant to discuss their fertility struggles due to concerns about career repercussions, like being overlooked for promotions. Julianne Boutaleb, consultant perinatal psychologist, echoed this, stressing the need for psychologically safe workplaces that allow employees to feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities.
Fertility is a People Issue, Not Just a Women’s Issue:
Natalie Silverman, co-founder of Fertility Matters At Work, emphasized that fertility challenges should not be seen as a women’s issue alone. “Fertility is a people issue,” she said, underscoring the importance of addressing fertility matters inclusively. Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, pointed out that LGBTQ+ employees often face additional barriers to discussing fertility due to stigma and lack of understanding, encouraging HR teams to adopt inclusive language.
The Emotional Toll of Fertility Struggles:
Fertility challenges can take a heavy emotional toll. According to Fertility Network UK, 90% of people going through fertility issues experience anxiety or depression. Moreover, 41% of those undergoing fertility treatment report suicidal thoughts, while 42% suffer from complex trauma. HR teams should be sensitive in their language, recognizing the grief and loss associated with fertility struggles.
Diverse Fertility Experiences:
The event featured panelists sharing their diverse fertility journeys. Michael Johnson-Ellis, founder of Two Dads UK, recalled how sharing his fertility struggles at work led to a toxic reaction and ultimately him leaving his job. Similarly, Vanessa Haye, a writer on black women’s health, discussed the “medical gaslighting” that women from ethnic minority backgrounds may experience when dealing with fertility issues. She urged HR departments to collect data on employees’ fertility experiences to inform supportive policies.
Creating Fertility-Friendly Workplaces:
As fertility rates in the UK continue to decline, businesses are recognizing the importance of fertility support for employee retention and engagement. Mary Knight of Ferring Pharmaceuticals shared how their company became fertility-friendly certified by providing unlimited fertility financial support, parental leave, and continuous employee support. Similarly, energy company EON UK has introduced a Fertility Forum and offers unlimited parental leave and peer support through “Fertility Friends.”
The event underscored the need for businesses to take a proactive inclusive approach to supporting employees facing fertility challenges. By adopting clear policies offering fertility benefits and creating a supportive, understanding environment, companies can foster healthier workplaces where all employees feel seen and valued.