Written by: Louise Siwicki, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
According to the new report out by the World Health Organisation infertility now affects 1 in 6 couples globally. That means that around 17% of the population at any one time are struggling to realise their dreams of parenthood.
The statistics are startling.
Infertility is on the rise and the journey to having a baby can be physically, emotionally and financially for many couples worldwide. Fertility however is not just a global health care concern it is also an important workplace issue.
Discussion of fertility at work is more taboo than politics or religion
Exacerbating the challenges many employees on their family-forming journeys encounter in the workplace, attempts to talk about fertility with colleagues and managers is very much taboo. The vast majority of employees (79%) feel uncomfortable discussing it openly at work, primarily because it could be perceived as unprofessional. In fact, according to respondents, even topics like politics and religion are more acceptable workplace conversations than subjects like pregnancy challenges, pregnancy loss, or menopause. Moreover, 33% are uncomfortable having these discussions in private with a supervisor or manager and 28% are uncomfortable discussing directly with colleagues.
Creating a supportive fertility friendly culture
With all this information in mind there is a massive opportunity here for employers. With a very high demand for fertility benefits (both physical and emotional) in the workplace this presents a massive opportunity for employers to enhance their benefit offerings to attract and retain talent.
Three ways to help support employees fertility mental wellbeing
1. Educational training
As a vast majority of employees feel uncomfortable discussing their fertility at work and with 1 in 6 couples struggling to have a family education training is key. Raising awareness of fertility issues is an important educational piece for employees but it is particularly important to offer this training to managers. Topics such as IVF, fertility, pregnancy loss, stress and anxiety due to fertility issues are highly sensitive and it is unrealistic to expect managers to know about these issues if they have not personally been affected. Without proper training managers and employees feel heightened levels of stress when dealing with this issue.
2. Emotional support
Providing employees who are navigating their fertility journey with clear emotional support options through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Providing access to specialised Fertility Coaching and support opposed to a counsellor who is not trained specifically in fertility matters means the employee can have access to a qualified trained practitioner who is aware of the impact of fertility and mental health and specialises in this area.
3. Building internal support networks
Having someone in the organisation who actually understands the fertility journey, a person that is there for both managers and employees to go to for guidance and support will make a huge difference. We can’t expect everyone to know everything so having a fertility advocate can be a key resource for your organisation.
What are you doing to support Fertility wellbeing in the workplace?
I offer support and education for employers and employees. For further information please visit my website. I really look forward to working with you in the future.
Louise Siwicki, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Louise Siwicki is a specialist in the fields of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy®, Hypnotherapy, and Fertility Coaching, expert. She offers specialized programs for both women and men suffering infertility issues through pregnancy and early parenthood.
She uses different practical processes and techniques to rewire the brain of her clients and build new neural pathways. This eliminates and heals the root cause of stress and anxiety, the negative emotions and limiting beliefs holding them back from achieving the success and happiness they desire in life.
After suffering through 6 years of infertility issues herself, she has since dedicated her life to supporting women and men through this very challenging time in their lives. She is the founder and CEO of “Louise Siwicki Coaching,” author of "The Secret to Getting Pregnant is not Just in Your Body but in Your Mind" and a public speaker.
Her mission: To help everyone understand the importance of the mind and body connection. If you don’t master your mind, your mind will master you.
