‘No support at work for staff who go for IVF treatment’

FOUR in five people do not believe they are adequately supported in their workplaces when undergoing fertility treatment, a survey shows.

Of those who do not feel assisted, 30% said there is no help in place and that fertility is not an encouraged topic of conversation among colleagues and management.

The survey was conducted online last month by fertility clinic Sims IVF, with 866 respondents, 97% of whom were women. Mikey O’Brien, group director of nursing and clinical services at Sims, said many individuals and couples are reluctant to talk to employers and colleagues about fertility. ‘Open conversations should be encouraged in the workplace and these survey results show there is a need for better communication from management and HR about workplace policies supporting and facilitating treatment,’ he said.

Mr O’Brien said that many who responded to the survey reported difficulties in taking time off for appointments and fertility treatment, adding that many take annual leave or sick leave to attend appointments, testing and treatments.

When asked what employers could do to better support them, respondents highlighted the need for additional fertility-related leave.