Essex to open the batting for ‘Fertility in the Workplace’

A consistent fertility policy can create an attractive employer proposition.

One in six people of working age are affected by fertility issues – and ways in which employers in Essex of all sizes can play a role in supporting staff experiencing infertility will be discussed by Fertility Network UK and guests HSBC, Bourn Hall and Essex Cricket at a free event at the Cricket Ground in Chelmsford on November 20 – as part of the Fertility in the Workplace initiative.

Devasting impact

Claire Heuclin, Operations Manager for Fertility Network UK (FNUK), says that difficulties conceiving can have a devastating effect on all areas of a person’s personal and working lives. “Even simple changes in the workplace to recognise the feelings of grief and the demands of treatment can ease stress and improve employee performance.”

Improving performance

Essex Cricket is focussed on being inclusive and is one of the first to field a Women’s Professional Team in the 2025 season. It will be hosting England Women against West Indies in May.

Supporting emotional wellbeing has been identified as a priority at the club by the General Manager, Dan Feist.

“Our focus will be on creating an environment where players and staff can thrive and fulfil their potential, both on and off the field”, he says. “We are delighted Fertility Network UK has chosen our club to promote the ‘Fertility in the Workplace’ initiative within Essex and hope that the business community will get behind it.”

Success not guaranteed

Research commissioned by FNUK revealed that 35% of respondents found fertility treatment impacted their careers, 58% said work affected their treatment, and 18% left their jobs. As a result, the charity saw the need for ‘Fertility in the Workplace’ (FiTW), an initiative to encourage a more open and supportive workplace culture for those struggling with infertility.

Claire Heuclin says: “Individuals rarely discuss their fertility challenges with their employer over fears it will damage their career prospects, particularly as eventual success is not guaranteed.”

“Lack of clarity over company policy, and limited understanding of the implications of fertility testing and treatment, is problematic for both line managers and employees.”

Openness helped me

Chantelle Perkins, an internal communications manager for HSBC, who is speaking at the event, has been helped by the bank’s clear fertility policy, which includes 12 days leave for fertility treatment.

“I was so fortunate to have a supportive manager,” says Chantelle. “He let me leave early every day for a few weeks so that I could be home at the same time to do my injections. By giving me permission to attend appointments, I was freed of guilt and could manage my time effectively.

“This openness also enabled me to let some of the wider team know, just in case the treatment made me more hormonal or emotional than normal and they were aware of the context.”

Bourn Hall fertility clinic, which in Essex has clinics in Wickford and Colchester, is working with FNUK to provide resources that can help employers understand the medical and emotional impacts of fertility treatment. Dr Thanos Papathanasiou will explain how it is pioneering ways to reduce conflicts between work and treatment.

HSBC: supported journeys help people thrive

HSBC has recently partnered with FNUK. Kim Stubbs, Head of Supported Journeys at HSBC, comments that the bank has found that “supporting staff on their fertility journey has had a positive impact on mental wellbeing, commitment, engagement, and loyalty. In addition, it forms part of an attractive employer value proposition to foster an inclusive culture where people can thrive personally and professionally.”

As part of the partnership, HSBC employees will have direct access to FNUK’s resources, including support groups and educational materials tailored to individual needs.

Join the conversation

The event free to attend and is open to both employers and employees and will include discussions with:

• Dan Feist, General Manager, Essex Cricket on developments at club and support for emotional and physical performance
• Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and Medical Director of Bourn Hall Clinic, about the impact of infertility and treatment
• Claire Heuclin, Operations Manager for Fertility Network UK, about the support available that is free to SMEs; Jo Brett, FNUK Ambassador and Volunteer
• Kim Stubbs and Chantelle Perkins about the employer and employee experience.
  

Find out more and reserve your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1036672133257

More about Fertility in the Workplace.