How can an employer support their employees dealing with infertility?
It is important for organisations to take a proactive approach when it comes to infertility, particularly as statistics show that one in six couples are affected by it.
It is important for employers to create an environment where people feel comfortable discussing the topic and feel supported when they do so. The Law Society makes several suggestions regarding how this can be done:
- Employee Communications – Use opportunities such as Infertility Awareness Week (19-25 April) and other dates in the diversity calendar to raise awareness. It is important that resources are made available and that all staff see communications on topics that are not often discussed.
- Start a Staff Support Group – People may feel more comfortable to share with their peers and so staff networks and support groups within those networks are a great way to encourage support within your organisation. Employees will have a safe space to share experiences or worries and receive help and advice from others in a similar situation. Such groups can be operated very discretely, and with membership kept private – so long as there is at least one named person for people to contact.
- Work with charities and support networks to help create new and inclusive policies
- Treat fertility appointments as you would all medical or maternity appointments
- Offer Bereavement Counselling to those who have experienced miscarriage or baby loss.