A new study has found that women are nearly 10 times more likely to be asked by their managers about their plans to have children compared to their male counterparts.
The Infertility Awareness Report, conducted by experts at Fertility Family, revealed that 27% of women have been questioned about their childbearing plans by their managers, compared to only 3% of men. The report underscores a significant gender disparity in workplace attitudes toward fertility and family planning. It highlighted that while only a quarter of employers have a policy in place regarding fertility treatments, 40% have no formal policy and no plans to implement one. This lack of support leaves many employees feeling unsupported and uncomfortable discussing fertility issues.
To understand the broader impact of workplace policies and attitudes towards infertility, Fertility Family surveyed 429 UK respondents who have experienced infertility. The findings indicate that nearly half (47%) of people feel uncomfortable asking for time off for fertility-related appointments, underscoring a pervasive issue of discomfort and stigma surrounding fertility in the workplace.
EMPLOYEE FERTILITY STRUGGLES
The study also revealed that 27% of people feel comfortable discussing their fertility struggles with their managers, whereas a larger percentage, 43%, do not feel at ease doing so. Notably, more than a quarter of women (27%) reported being asked about their childbearing plans by either their manager or someone in senior management, a stark contrast to just 3% of men facing the same inquiries. Additionally, 22% of respondents have reduced their working hours to undergo fertility treatments, and 14% waited until they were in a senior role before considering their fertility journey to ensure financial stability.
Kate Palmer, Director of HR Advice and Consultancy at Peninsula, emphasised the importance of creating a supportive work environment. “It can be daunting for an employee to share details of their health, particularly with sensitive conditions like fertility. So it’s important to create a culture of open communication and support. Doing so allows employees to ask for the help they need, which in turn contributes towards increased productivity, satisfaction, and retention,” she stated.
SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE POLICIES
Palmer suggested the introduction of mental health first aiders or appointing fertility champions as potential measures to support employees. These individuals can serve as points of contact for those hesitant to discuss fertility issues with their line managers or HR team. “A fertility policy both helps those trying to conceive and raises awareness of their struggles so that colleagues and managers know how to provide compassion and care,” Palmer added.
The findings highlight the need for more inclusive and supportive workplace policies to address the challenges faced by employees dealing with infertility, ensuring they do not have to choose between their career and family aspirations. Click here to read the full report.
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