For many people, IVF is one of the most physically demanding and emotionally complex experiences they will ever go through. Yet for many, it remains a journey that is largely invisible to those around them, including their employer.
Appointments can be arranged at short notice. Treatment can have significant physical side effects. The emotional impact of uncertainty, hope and disappointment can be difficult to carry alongside the demands of a working day. Deciding whether to tell colleagues or managers about treatment can bring an additional layer of anxiety.
As more people undergo fertility treatment, employers have an increasingly important role to play in creating workplaces where employees feel supported rather than isolated.
To mark World IVF Day, Employment Partner Dipti Shah sat down with colleagues Ben Rosen and Hayley Lawrence for an open and honest conversation about their experiences of IVF and the practical ways employers can better support people undergoing treatment.
The challenges employees face
Throughout the discussion, Ben and Hayley speak candidly about the realities of IVF. While every journey is different, they reflect on many of the challenges shared by people undergoing fertility treatment, including:
- Managing frequent and often unpredictable medical appointments.
- Coping with the physical side effects of medication and treatment.
- The emotional impact of uncertainty, setbacks and loss.
- Deciding whether to disclose treatment to an employer or colleagues.
- Balancing professional responsibilities with an intensely personal experience.
These are challenges that are often hidden from view, making understanding and empathy in the workplace all the more important.
What can employers do?
From an employment law perspective, Dipti explores the practical steps organisations can take to better support employees during fertility treatment.
While there is no single approach that works for every individual, creating an environment where people feel comfortable having conversations about fertility can make a significant difference.
The discussion considers:
- Creating a workplace culture where employees feel able to speak openly if they choose to.
- Training managers to respond with empathy and understanding.
- Offering flexibility around appointments where possible.
- Considering fertility policies and wider wellbeing initiatives.
- Recognising that support is not only about legal compliance, but about building a compassionate workplace culture.
Why these conversations matter
Many people undergoing IVF continue working throughout treatment without those around them ever knowing what they are experiencing.
By increasing awareness and encouraging open conversations, employers can help reduce stigma and ensure employees feel supported during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
We are incredibly grateful to Ben and Hayley for sharing their personal experiences so openly. Their honesty helps shine a light on an experience that affects countless individuals and families, but is still rarely discussed in the workplace.
