Experts are urging workplaces to implement formal policies supporting staff undergoing fertility treatments, warning that failing to do so could lead to the loss of valued employees.
According to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), companies are at risk of losing key talent if they do not adopt measures to assist individuals facing challenges in conceiving. These policies may include flexible working hours, paid time off for medical appointments, or compassionate leave to accommodate the treatment process.
A recent CMI survey of 1,000 managers revealed that only 19% of respondents reported their organizations had a formal policy addressing fertility treatment. Furthermore, 35% of those polled indicated there were no plans to introduce such policies, despite 60% acknowledging the importance of these measures.
CMI Chief Executive Ann Francke highlighted the unique challenges employees undergoing fertility treatment face, describing it as a highly personal and unpredictable experience. She emphasized that without proper management support, employees often struggle to balance work pressures with last-minute medical appointments. The stress of these treatments can lead to increased sick leave and retention issues, particularly if employees feel forced to quit or reduce their responsibilities to cope with the physical and emotional toll of treatment.
Francke added, “Employers risk losing valuable employees if they fail to address this growing issue that impacts more and more workers each year.”
This warning comes after a separate study last year found that one in five employees left their jobs due to mistreatment by employers while undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF. The report, conducted by Totaljobs and the Fawcett Society, revealed that an additional third of employees considered leaving due to poor support.
The NHS estimates that around one in seven couples struggle to conceive, yet nearly 60% of those undergoing fertility treatment keep it private from senior colleagues. Furthermore, over 90% of individuals undergoing such treatments require time off, with much of it categorized as sick or unpaid leave.
A white paper submitted to the UK government by the Workplace Fertility Campaign Group this year warned that the lack of formal rights leaves employee protections in the hands of individual employers. The paper described the impact of fertility treatment as being physically, logistically, and emotionally demanding.
The group suggested that the UK should look to countries like Malta, Korea, and Japan, which have established specific employment laws related to fertility treatments, and explore similar legislation.
Sharon Martin of Fertility Network UK, who contributed to the white paper, emphasized the benefits of workplace fertility policies, stating, “Having a policy in place ensures employees know what support is available without needing to disclose their infertility or treatment if they prefer not to.”
Related topics:
The Unseen Struggle: One NHS Worker’s Decade-Long Infertility Journey
Endometrial Scratching May Boost IVF Success Rates, Research Finds
California Couple Sues Fertility Doctor Over Unauthorized Sperm Use in IVF
