Supporting fertility in the workplace: National Fertility Awareness Week's call to employers

This week marks National Fertility Awareness Week in the UK. This annual event, organised by Fertility Network UK, a national charity dedicated to supporting individuals on their fertility journeys, aims to change perceptions and raise awareness for those undergoing fertility treatment. The theme for this year is "Forward4Fertility," emphasising progress and inclusivity in the journey towards parenthood.

The staggering fact that over 3.5 million people in the UK are dealing with fertility issues underscores the importance of initiatives like National Fertility Awareness Week. Fertility Network UK's mission is clear: to ensure that every person embarking on a fertility journey has the support and information they need, regardless of where they are in their personal path to parenthood.

Today, 3 November, the spotlight shifts to a critical aspect of fertility awareness: fertility in the workplace. While employers should ideally consider this topic throughout the year, this dedicated week provides a unique opportunity for companies to assess their current support systems for employees experiencing fertility treatment and to identify areas for improvement.

Fertility issues can impact not only an individual's personal life but also their professional well-being. Employers have a pivotal role to play in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. Here are some recent articles and comments on fertility in the workplace that employers may find useful:

• More guidance published on fertility at work (shoosmiths.com)
• One in four women undergoing fertility treatment unfairly treated at work (shoosmiths.com)
• What can employer's do to support employees in light of World IVF day? (shoosmiths.com)
• Supporting male employees with fertility related challenges (shoosmiths.com)
• IVF and mental health (shoosmiths.com)
• Supporting employees with time off for fertility treatment (shoosmiths.com)

National Fertility Awareness Week is a reminder that the journey to parenthood can be a challenging and emotional one for many employees. By recognising the importance of fertility awareness and taking steps to support employees experiencing fertility treatments, employers can contribute to a more compassionate, inclusive, and understanding workplace. This is not just a week's focus but an ongoing commitment to creating a work environment that acknowledges the realities of fertility challenges and offers the necessary support.