Anchor Hanover tackles the impact of reproductive health challenges on employees’ mental health
However, talking about fertility and our reproductive health, which can have a devasting impact on mental health, still remains a taboo subject in the workplace. So how many of your employees is this affecting?
Research from Fertility Network UK reveals:
- One in six couples in the UK have difficulties conceiving
- One in four women experience a miscarriage
- Every LGBT+ person will need fertility support if they want to start a family
- 40% of fertility issues are caused by a male factor
- 90% of people going through a fertility journey feel depressed and 43% feel suicidal.
When we put this into context and start thinking about our own businesses and employee demogrpahics, we can start to see the sheer numbers of people within any organisation that might be affected.
Implementing reproductive health education and services at Anchor Hanover
Ruth Petzold, equality, diversity and inclusion manager at Anchor Hanover, says her company has been working hard to introduce support for its employees, after a colleague approached her and raised the issue of how fertility was acknowledged and addressed in the workplace.
“A colleague asked how we could work together to make some positive changes and support others who may be struggling as a result of fertility challenges or going through treatment. We saw that there were some quick steps we could take such as moving information about ‘fertility-related’ time off out of the maternity policy, which could be very triggering for people already struggling.
“We also engaged with groups such as our LGBTQ+ group, developed guidance for managers on how to approach talking about fertilty, and opened our internal comms channels to our colleagues’ stories and experiences – which have been really powerful,” explained Petzold.
Anchor Hanover announced earlier this year that it is partnering with Fertifa to give its staff access to a range of reproductive health education and services.
“Adding fertility support and services to the employee benefits we offer is an important step in acknowledging the huge burden of emotional, physical and financial stress that many people experience as a direct result of fertility challenges,” added Petzold.
The value in offering fertility benefits
Lucie McGrath, head of client strategy and proposition development at Willis Towers Watson (WY+TW), agrees that considering the impact of fertility and reproductive health on employees must be a priority for HR professionals.
In a recent WTW survey of 200 corporate clients, findings showed that the top short-term priority for respondents, regardless of the size of their organisation, was enhancing emotional wellbeing services and stress/resilience management for their employees.
“Can offering fertilty benefits in the workplace offer value? In a single word – yes! There are undoubtedly huge benefits for employees who may be impacted by challenges or concerned about their future reproductive health, and there is significant opportunity for employers to also see benefits in the recruitment, engagement and retention of their staff, and to support their equality, diversity and inclusion strategies. My advice would be for companies to simply make a start in addressing the issue of fertility – as doing something is far better than doing nothing,” said McGrath.
Top tips to implement fertility benefits
- Start your journey by acknowledging the taboo-nature of the subject, and the impact it can have, and build a supportive culture with small changes and education.
- Consider what your benefits/guidance might cover: fertility treatment, adoption, surrogacy, maternity and paternity, menopause.
- Engage with interested groups and utilise the growth of employee voice and networks in your organisation (eg LGBTQ+, mental wellbeing, fertility networks) and share real-life stories where you can.
- Access specialist information, education and guidance from companies like Fertifa or charities such as Fertility Network UK.
- Don’t be fearful of having to start a ‘massive project’. Doing something is better than doing nothing.
- Above all – embrace empathetic and inclusive leadership.
For more insight from McGrath and Petzold watch the webinar recording The impact of fertility and reproductive health challenges on employees.
This article is provided by Fertifa.
In partnership with Fertifa
Fertifa is the UK’s leading fertility and reproductive health benefits provider.
