Essex Cricket takes the lead in ‘Fertility in the Workplace’ initiative

Essex Cricket has gone beyond the boundary to raise awareness of the trauma of infertility. It has become one of the first organisations in the county to embrace the Fertility in the Workplace (FiTW) initiative and is keen to start the conversation with its community.

Most people keep their struggle to conceive private for fear that it will affect their career opportunities, increasing the stress at work and impacting their performance. Creating a more open and supportive culture has benefits for both employers and employees.

Offers professional career for ambitious players

Essex is one of only eight clubs in the country awarded Tier 1 women’s team status from 2025, opening the chance of a professional career for ambitious players. It will be hosting England Women against West Indies Women in May.

The club is committed to supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of its teams and staff, and first became aware of FiTW when an event about the initiative was held at The Cloud County Ground in Chelmsford, hosted by Fertility Network UK and Bourn Hall.

Dan Feist, General Manager of Essex Cricket, comments: “The event started a discussion about fertility, and speaking to both male and female players and the staff, it became clear it is something they are very interested in. Some of the England women players are being open about their journeys too. So, we are keen to keep the conversation going.

“Being part of this programme will not only support our staff, but also our wider network across the region. I hope that it will inspire more businesses to get involved.”

Research shows impact of infertility on careers

Research commissioned by Fertility Network UK revealed that 35% of respondents found fertility treatment impacted their careers, 58% said work affected their treatment, and 18% left their jobs.

Claire Heuclin, Operations Manager for Fertility Network UK (FNUK), advises that a huge difference can be made by even small changes in the workplace, like having a clear fertility policy to enable both partners to attend crucial appointments, raising awareness of the topic of fertility challenges in the workplace through signposting, posters and resources, and awareness that some occupations – the police, child nurseries, teaching – can be particularly challenging.

“As part of FiTW we provide support for creating fertility policies, online learning sessions and free online resources for both employers and employees to increase understanding of the implications of infertility and treatment. We also offer wellbeing and support groups for employees.”

Creating a plan with employer better for everyone

Dr Papathanasiou says: “Fertility treatment involves a lot of commitment over 3-4 weeks – daily injections, scans, a small procedure to collect eggs and then embryo transfer. If the employer doesn’t know, and this is taken as sick leave, it can make a significant impact in the workplace. If it were possible to be open about treatment, then together they can plan – this is better for everyone. As a clinic we can help by providing letters and information for patients to give to their employers and offering more flexibility.”

Top image shows: Kim Stubbs (Head of Supported Banking Journeys WPB UK, HSBC UK), Danni Warren (Performance Director, Essex Women), Thanos Papathanasiou (Medical Director, Bourn Hall), Claire Heuclin (Operations Manager, Fertility Network UK)