Fertility
How to address infertility in the workplace
Eloise Edington | 4 Oct 2021
Strategies for managing infertility in the workplace
Infertility is becoming an increasingly prominent concern, affecting one in eight people. Employers should accept that employees may be dealing with infertility and should be accommodated fairly.
Infertility affects a person’s stress levels, as well as their emotional and physical well-being, so it’s essential to find ways to be a mindful employer. Similarly, it’s important to know how to address your own infertility in the workplace.
Given the sensitivity of the situation, extending support can make a meaningful difference. And so, we’ve gathered a few supportive tips to assist you in managing infertility in the workplace.
As an employee, how do you address infertility in the workplace?
We understand that infertility affects stress and can be anxiety-inducing and overall physically taxing – especially if you are undergoing fertility treatments. It can consume your life and affect your mood. So how do you ask your employer for support you need while going through this difficult time?
- Have a conversation or a meeting with your employer or HR Department.
- Different countries have varying laws regarding employees’ rights to take time off for medical appointments related to fertility treatment.
- Be clear about your needs and ask for support, detailing the time off you will need.
- Ask for flexibility in your schedule to attend fertility appointments.
- Provide a clear timetable from your fertility clinic to inform discussions.
- Remember that asking for time-off allowances due to medical reasons is reasonable.
As an employer, how do I support employees struggling with (in)fertility?
As an employer, you have a responsibility to be mindful towards all employees and to be sympathetic to their medical needs. This may look like:
- Being clear about job security and available fertility benefits or resources.
- Keeping communication open and easy.
- Showing flexibility and a willingness to accept temporary changes to work patterns.
- Creating support groups and resources for employees.
- Raising awareness through advertising dedicated weeks or months related to infertility aspects.
Our go-to clinic for top-notch care in the Bay Area, Laurel Fertility Care, clarifies more regarding this.
Read Infertility at work – how to talk to your employer to find answers to how you can navigate work schedules and employers’ lack of fertility support.
