Businesses risk losing talented employees by failing to support staff undergoing fertility treatment, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has warned. The professional body emphasized the importance of formal workplace policies to assist those navigating fertility challenges, which affect one in seven couples, according to NHS data.
The CMI called for flexible working hours, paid leave for medical appointments, and compassionate leave to ease the strain of balancing work and treatment. Ann Francke, CMI’s chief executive, highlighted the pressures employees face. “Fertility treatment is often a private and unpredictable experience, presenting challenges like last-minute hospital appointments,” Francke said. Without adequate support, she noted, many employees feel compelled to reduce responsibilities or leave their jobs entirely.
“Employers risk losing good people because they are not addressing what is a growing issue affecting our workforce,” she added.
The Case for Workplace Policies
A survey of over 1,000 managers by the CMI revealed that just 19% of organizations have a formal fertility treatment policy, while 35% have no plans to introduce one. Despite this, 63% of managers recognized the importance of such policies.
A separate report found that one in five employees undergoing fertility treatment quit their jobs due to insufficient workplace support. Sharon Martin, interim chief executive of Fertility Network UK, emphasized that policies are crucial for addressing the lack of understanding surrounding fertility struggles.
“With a policy in place, employees know immediately what help is available without having to disclose their treatment unless they wish to,” Martin said. These policies often include designated support contacts, links to relevant charities, and flexible leave arrangements.
Some companies offer unlimited leave, while others provide a set number of days with options for unpaid leave and flexible scheduling, including accommodations for partners of those undergoing treatment.
Martin noted a growing number of employers are seeking assistance in crafting fertility policies. “Employees respond positively and responsibly when such policies are in place,” she added, citing survey data showing that 78% of employees consider a fertility policy very important when evaluating potential employers.
Calls for Legislative Change
The Workplace Fertility Campaign Group, which includes Fertility Network UK, submitted a white paper to MPs in 2024 calling for legislative changes to better support those undergoing fertility treatment. The group seeks guaranteed paid time off for fertility appointments and unpaid leave for partners.
Kelly Harrison, a customer service worker, shared her challenges navigating IVF without workplace support. “I didn’t know where I stood with time off,” she said. “I tried to work back any time I missed and scheduled appointments early in the morning to avoid disrupting the office. It was stressful, and I’m not sure I ever dealt with the emotional side of it.”
Moving Toward Greater Support
While the Department for Business and Trade welcomed initiatives by companies to improve employee benefits, advocates argue that more needs to be done. “Our plan to make work pay includes measures to help people undergoing fertility treatment, including ensuring flexible working as a default,” a department spokesperson said.
As more organizations recognize the value of supporting employees through fertility challenges, the hope is for widespread adoption of comprehensive policies that address the physical, emotional, and financial toll of treatment—retaining talent and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
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