According to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), companies that fail to support employees undergoing fertility treatment risk high staff turnover and rising absenteeism.
One in seven couples now experience fertility problems, NHS figures show. This is giving rise to calls for a formal workplace policy that includes flexible working hours, paid leave for treatment and care leave where necessary.
Ann Francke, CEO of CMI, warned: “The significant stress associated with fertility treatments can lead to employees resigning or reducing their responsibilities if they feel their workplace offers no other choice. Without expert management support, employers risk losing good people.”
A new survey of more than 1,000 managers found that only 19% of organizations have a formal fertility policy, despite almost two-thirds of respondents considering such a policy crucial. Separate research suggests that a lack of support for fertility treatments could lead to as many as one in five workers quitting their job.
Sharon Martin, interim director of Fertility Network UK, which advises on employer policies, said: “A policy provides immediate clarity about what help is available, even if employees choose not to disclose the details of treatment. It can establish specific leave arrangements, flexible working hours and refer staff to appropriate supporting charities.”
With the Workplace Fertility Campaign Group pushing for legislative reform to provide paid leave for IVF appointments, many employers are seeking expert advice on drafting fertility policies. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said plans to make flexible working a “genuine default target” will help staff cope more easily with challenges such as fertility treatments.