Approximately 55,000 couples received IVF treatment or donor insemination in 2021, and the number is increasing year on year. Creating a policy that acknowledges fertility issues ensures an open and inclusive culture in your workplace.
Moreover, 68% of adults say they would switch jobs to gain fertility benefits. So, making an accessible, fertility-friendly environment with clear policies will help you retain talent through the fertility journey. Additionally, it will provide guidance for managers and HR professionals to support their teams.
What is a fertility policy?
A fertility policy outlines the process your company has for its employees undergoing fertility treatment. It should clearly state the guidance and support available through all stages of the fertility journey. The policy will provide a baseline knowledge of what infertility is, the causes of infertility and what an individual's fertility options are. Your employees should understand their rights and the support the company will offer them while undergoing fertility treatment. The policy should assist managers in educating them on the best practices while providing a fair approach in line with legislative requirements.
The policy should be inclusive and supportive to all individuals, not just women undergoing IVF treatment, but to all staff, irrespective of their gender and sexual orientation. Be conscious of writing the policy in a neutral tone that does not discriminate against relationship status, age or gender.
This should be a separate policy and not hidden inside another policy, such as a maternity policy. An individual looking to undergo fertility treatment will often search for their fertility policy at work before discussing it with a manager or member of HR. Therefore, having a transparent and accessible policy will give your employees the opportunity to get a better indication of how the company will facilitate their pathway to parenthood.
What to include in the fertility policy?
If you're not sure what to include in your company's fertility policy, then The IVFN is here to help. Our HR experts and fertility specialists have collaborated to create a model fertility policy. Simply download our free policy template and tailor it to your company's needs.
To get a better understanding of the sections in the policy and why they are included, learn about their importance below.
Defining terms
The policy should clearly define the fertility treatment covered. You may want to include any form of assisted reproduction, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), for example. You should also include any treatment or medical examinations that the company covers, such as egg collection or embryo transfer.
Requesting support
Fertility treatments can be incredibly challenging. It can be emotionally, physically and financially draining. By implementing this policy, you are indicating to your employees that you are committed to providing an environment where staff are genuinely supported. Employees should feel safe to discuss their fertility treatment and any other medical appointment with their line managers or members of HR and understand the support available to them. By requesting support, measurements can be put...
