Why Fertility Matters
Growing a family is a fundamental part of many lives which can have a devastating impact to those whose journey isn’t as easy. Sadly, the reality of this challenge is rarely recognised and often misunderstood by employers and, as a result, many people suffer in silence.
%
Only 36% felt fertility treatment was recognised at work as significant
(FMAW)
(FMAW)
%
61% had fears about telling people
(FMAW)
We’re on a mission to make the workplace Fertility Friendly.
Fertility Matters At Work is a Community Interest Company (CIC) on a mission to educate and inspire businesses with an awareness of how fertility issues affects both their employees and their organisation.
RECOGNITION, AWARENESS, FLEXIBILITY & SUPPORT IS KEY
By increasing awareness and overcoming the many misconceptions we can support all those who are facing this challenge. This will not only improve their personal experience but also ensure your organisation is inclusive, whilst improving engagement, retention, attraction and productivity.
We aim to…
Ensure employers and employees recognise that fertility struggles can affect as many as 1 in 6 people (WHO) globally, all of working age
Open up conversations and create safe spaces within the workplace so that those facing fertility struggles feel supported and don’t need to suffer in silence
Educate about the reality of what fertility treatment involves and the direct link to mental health and emotional wellbeing
Empower organisations to build an inclusive and supportive workplace, helping them to attract, engage and retain people, guiding them to become fertility-friendly employers of choice
Campaign for change in statutory legislation for rights and better protection for employees needing to attend fertility appointments
Research clearly shows that fertility struggles are a challenge for both individuals and organisations.
%
said treatment impacted their career (FMAW)
%
report anxiety or depression directly related to treatment (FMAW)
%
didn’t feel comfortable talking to their employer (FMAW)
%
have left or considered leaving their job (FMAW)
%
said it impacted their mental wellbeing (FMAW)
%
took sick leave during fertility treatment (FMAW)
This final statistic, 63% took sick leave during treatment, clearly presents both an operational and financial challenge for employers. Research has shown that employees who feel supported and engaged by their employer are more likely to perform better and less likely to leave.
Our White Paper Reports into Complex Fertility Journeys in the Workplace, combining our research with that of Manchester Metropolitan University, and The Impact of Fertility Challenges in the Workplace, provides an overview of the challenges and recommendations as to what employers can do.