The importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace has accelerated over the past few years, and rightly so. Not only should employers want to support their loyal and hardworking employees with their mental and physical health, but it makes good business sense too.
There is a wealth of evidence linking positive outcomes from companies that have implemented a robust wellbeing agenda to their business. A reduction in sickness absence is arguably the main driver for some, but add to the list enhanced employee morale and engagement, and the contribution towards a positive working environment, and you’re only just scratching the surface.
Investing in employee wellbeing should no longer be considered an ‘add-on’ to a business blueprint. Make the health of your employees a vital part of your business’s culture, and you’ll experience higher staff retention rates, increased performance and productivity levels, and a workforce proud to be working for you.
Fertility issues can be all-consuming and are often a lengthy physical and emotional journey for individuals and couples. 1 in 6 couples in the UK struggle to conceive*, yet it’s an area that often falls short on many company wellbeing agendas. We are gratefully starting to see headway, with some businesses now offering leave for those affected by miscarriage and supporting those undergoing fertility treatments – but a key area lacking in support across most companies are the mental health issues associated with fertility struggles.
of working men and women experiencing fertility struggles suffer from a combination of anxiety, stress and depression.
undergoing fertility treatment said it had a negative impact on their work.
had seriously considered leaving their job – or had quit, as a result of the impact on their mental health.
(*Fertility Network UK, Survey)
With an estimated 3.5 million men and women in the UK facing fertility challenges, this is an issue that affects employees within the majority of businesses. Support and education must be given in the workplace around not only the physical effects of fertility struggles, but the mental and emotional wellbeing impact too. By instilling a culture of openness, we can support our valued employees so that they do not suffer alone and in silence.
When approaching a subject such as fertility, it is essential to offer professional support from a specialist, such as myself. Employees are more likely to speak openly when given specialist support from an external source. Not only this, but it shows you as a business are taking this subject seriously by investing in their wellbeing.
As well as being fully trained in supporting couples and individuals with their mental and emotional wellbeing throughout fertility struggles, I have personally experienced many of those struggles myself, enabling me to speak from a place of compassion and understanding.
A 30-minute presentation aimed at educating both leaders and employees with a deep understanding of infertility and its impact on emotional wellbeing. Includes guidance on how to support an employee or colleague struggling with infertility and signposting your employees on where to find further support.
Smaller group presentations that focus on specific subjects, such as IVF, miscarriage, egg donor, surrogacy, etc. All sessions are guided by myself (covering the emotional wellbeing side) and a medical expert in the relevant field.
Ideal for companies wanting to educate their health and wellbeing champion in this particular area. Beneficial to employees and in supporting your company's commitment to improving the wellbeing of its workforce.