Fertility Treatment Leave
A report by Fertility Matters at Work has shown the following:-
- 38% of people who went through IVF either quit or considered quitting their jobs
- 87% reported anxiety or depression directly related to IVF treatment.
- 68% felt it had negatively affected their career trajectory.
- 24% believed it limited their promotion prospects.
- 61% feared bringing it up at work due to stigma and fear of repercussions.
- 35% felt their line manager had been supportive.
These are really saddening statistics.
There are now strong calls for IVF to be recategorised as a medical procedure, rather than an elective treatment equivalent to cosmetic surgery as it is at present.
Having gone through IVF twice now workplace support is crucial in what is a very stressful time in peoples lives.
The company I worked for at time were extremely supportive. I felt comfortable and in a position I could be transparent with my manager and I could attend any appointments needed, often at short notice, without question and with their full support.
My partners company were the same and had an official IVF leave policy.
Reading the report today, this shows we were lucky to work for empathetic and supportive employers, and many are not so fortunate.
If you are marketing yourself as a good employer who has family friendly policies then you really should also have a
policy around IVF leave.
This is something I have seen more of recently in the legal sector with firms incorporating such policies and support packages into their offering - I hope and expect to see many more continue to do so.