Lowestoft mum urges employers to provide ‘fertility fairness’ in the workplace

Nearly eight out of ten people who've experienced fertility issues said a fertility policy was very important when considering a new job

Carlene Hickin, from Lowestoft went through two rounds of IVF before giving birth to her little boy
Author: Amy ShephardPublished 15th Mar 2024

A mum from Lowestoft says employers need to better understand how to support staff experiencing fertility struggles.

Carlene Hickin had two rounds of IVF before having her son - and is calling for more flexibility and understanding: "Anyone that's got employees need to have a fertility process in place.

"People will be more comfortable going to their bosses about medical issues if they're in place.

"I think it's really important.. managers do need to read up to understand any conditions... it'll make staff fell much more comfortable."

Her call comes as the UK’s national fertility charity, Fertility Network UK launches their Fertility in the Workplace (FiTW) initiative, which helps firms support staff experiencing fertility struggles.

“One in six people have difficulties conceiving, and all are of working age. Infertility impacts both partners and can create devastating effects on all areas of their lives,” said Claire Heuclin, Fertility Network UK’s FiTW coordinator.

A recent survey by Fertility Network and Fertifa showed that nearly eight out of ten (78%) people, who have experienced fertility issues, said that fertility support or a fertility policy was very important when they were considering a new job or employer.

The charity says flexibility to attend appointments and promoting greater understanding of what fertility treatment involves are two practical ways in which a fertility policy can help employers provide a more supportive working environment and retain staff.

"Many people have little knowledge of infertility or how it is treated"

“If employers and managers are aware of what fertility treatments involve and what the outcomes can look like, they can better understand the associated stress and can create safe spaces for staff to talk in confidence,” Claire continued.

Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and Medical Director of Bourn Hall, the world’s first IVF clinic, which is baking the calls, said:

“Many people have little knowledge of infertility or how it is treated. As a fertility clinic we can bring this clinical knowledge to FiTW and we are deeply committed to supporting Fertility Network UK in delivering this programme.

“While it is important for employers to make adjustments to support their staff, there is also a role for fertility clinics to be more supportive of people balancing treatment with work – so patients can keep ‘under the radar’ and not disclose their treatment if they wish, or by recognising the need for more flexible appointment and protocols in order to minimise the impact on a patient’s working day.

“We talk to patients who don’t want to jeopardise their careers, so they are trying to make appointments and inject hormone medication in secret – all the while balancing a rollercoaster of emotions from hope to despair.

“Additionally, some types of work can evoke emotional triggers. We see patients in professions such as teaching, midwifery, and the police where they work closely with children, often in distressing situations – and their managers have no knowledge of their personal trauma.”

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