It is time to normalise conversations about fertility in the workplace!

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According to the new report out by the World Health Organisation infertility now affects 1 in 6 couples globally. Infertility is on the rise and the journey to having a baby can be physically, emotionally and financially for many couples worldwide.

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Fertility however is not just a global health care concern it is also an important workplace issue.
 

I have had so many conversations with clients, successful businesswoman like yourself that feel they are emotionally unsupported in their workplace. They are on the brink of either quitting their jobs or scaling back considerably.

They feel their workplace does not provide enough emotional support regarding their fertility journey which is creating more stress and anxiety for them.

Research has shown many people experiencing fertility problems are reluctant to speak to their employer about it because they fear it may have a detrimental effect on their career.

This can be a challenge for employers both operationally and financially. This is why it is important to have a program in place so employees feel supported, and employers can get the best from them in difficult circumstances.


While providing leave to attend fertility assisted treatments is a massive move in the right direction, there still needs to be a focus on employee's mental health during the process.

Our fertility needs to be looked at holistically, not just in terms of leave required for these appointments.

Research has shown that women dealing with infertility have depression and anxiety levels like those with cancer, H.I.V. and heart disease, and — through my career as well as my personal experiences — I have become intimately familiar with infertilities psychological impact.

The statistics around mental health and infertility are startling - yet not talked about enough.

Studies conducted by the American National Library of Medicine showed 25% to 60% of people with infertility reported psychiatric symptoms, with anxiety and depression significantly higher than those not going through infertility.

As a business, if you support women struggling to conceive by addressing their mental and emotional wellbeing, you will not only significantly decrease stress and anxiety levels, but in some cases, you may negate the need for medical interventions altogether.

Imagine then the positive impact this is having on employee productivity, focus, performance, and staff retention.

According to a Glassdoor survey, 67% of job seekers consider a diverse workplace an important factor when deciding to accept a position. And if employers don’t meet these needs, they’ll fall behind. In fact, 58% of benefits managers said that they would consider it discriminatory not to offer fertility benefits by 2025.

By investing in mental health fertility benefits, your company can reduce costs, maintain, and expand your commitment to your employee's welfare, and win over top talent.

 

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