Fertility in the Workplace: ‘The business case’

Are you finding balancing the demands of work and treatment stressful?  Support for those on a fertility journey can form part of an attractive employer value proposition; vital to attract and retain talent.

This webinar – “The Business Case for Employer Action’ – discusses the practical support that is available through Fertility in the Workplace, an initiative that aims to help both employers and employees improve the working environment.

One in six people of working age have difficulties conceiving. Infertility impacts both partners and can have a devastating effect on all areas of their personal and working lives.

However, 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.

Research on behalf of charity Fertility Network UK revealed that 35% of respondents said that fertility treatment impacted their careers, 58% said work affected their treatment, whilst 18% left their jobs.

Further research by the CIPD found that effective workplace support had a positive impact on mental wellbeing, commitment, and intention to stay with the employer. In addition, it forms part of an attractive employer value proposition to recruit and retain talented people.

This webinar was recorded at the Essex Cricket and introduces the ‘Fertility in the Workplace’ (FiTW) initiative, delivered by Fertility Network UK. FiTW aims to share best practice, provide emotional and practical support to employees, and includes resources to encourage trust-based working relationships.

Different perspectives are shared by the panel

• Welcome – Dan Feist, General Manager of Essex County Cricket Club, which announced its first professional women’s team this year. The club has joined FiTW.
• Introduction to Fertility in the Workplace and the support available to employees and employers – Claire Heuclin, Operations Manager for Fertility Network UK
• The lived experience through the eyes of an employee – Chantelle Perkins
• Infertility, treatment, and the impact on wellbeing – Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and Medical Director of Bourn Hall Clinic
• Implementing a fertility policy and benefits for an organisation – Kim Stubbs, Head of Supported Banking Journeys, HSBC UK Bank
• Reasons you should reach out to FNUK for support – Jo Brett, FNUK Ambassador and Volunteer

The webinar discusses how to improve workplace support for those experiencing fertility challenges, investigations, and treatment.

The FiTW Initiative is currently offering fully funded support to SMEs, as part of government funding in line with the Women’s Health Strategy. The initiative is partnered by Bourn Hall and HSBC and allows any organisation with less than 250 employees to access our support services at no cost, until March 2025. This support includes writing and implementing fertility policies, providing educational resources, and hosting awareness sessions on how to support staff and colleagues going through fertility treatment.

The webinar is hosted on the Fertility Network UK YouTube channel