Failing to integrate reproductive health, including fertility, into workplace health frameworks is affecting employee retention and productivity, according to the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM).
According to research from SOM and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows nearly 1 in 5 employees experiencing fertility issues have considered leaving their job because they felt unsupported during treatment. Only 30% reported feeling very or quite supported and 24% had considered leaving their role due to limited support relating to pregnancy or baby loss.
The lack of support is often linked to limited knowledge and training. Fertility at Work Matters reports that 87% of managers have received no training on fertility issues. Meanwhile, polling by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) indicates that only 19% of UK organisations have a formal fertility policy.
According to Fertility at Work Matters, insufficient workplace fertility support costs UK businesses £217.3 million annually with employers paying up to £35,317 per affected employee when no support is provided. Around 73% of employees say their performance has been negatively affected by inadequate support resulting in £27.8 million in lost productivity.
SOM says professional occupational health involvement can help guide appropriate work adjustments reduce stigma and provide evidence-based advice. Fewer than half of UK employees currently have access to occupational health services.
SOM president professor Neil Greenberg says: “With the Government’s focus on expanding the workforce, SOM stresses that supporting reproductive health is both a human and economic imperative. Early, preventative support – embedded through effective policies, training, and access to occupational health – improves morale, retention, and productivity.
“SOM is calling for wider access to occupational health services to help connect employees, employers, and managers and support those in and out of work. Expanding access to occupational health services in the UK can reduce the growing number of inactive workers, particularly women.
“Investing in a healthy workplace is one of the smartest economic decisions the UK can make: it pays back many times through lower absenteeism, productivity, and a more resilient workforce.”
Neko Health doctor and managing director of Her Holistic Health Dr Divpreet Sacha says: “As a GP with a diploma in occupational medicine, who has been through IVF, I’ve seen and lived the reality: fertility treatment is an incredibly exhausting process; not just physically but mentally, socially and financially. When 87% of managers haven’t received any training on fertility issues, it’s no surprise that employees feel unsupported – not through lack of care, but lack of knowledge. This exhaustion naturally affects workplace productivity.
“The difference between someone managing treatment well and someone really struggling often comes down to straightforward support: flexibility for appointments, managers with basic understanding, and access to occupational health advice. Fertility affects one in six people. With proper training and workplace support, employees shouldn’t have to choose between their treatment and their career.”
Dr Krystal Wilkinson associate professor at Manchester Metropolitan University says: “Our research into the experiences of those navigating fertility treatment alongside work highlights the significant logistical, psychological, physical and financial challenges. Where organisations have clear policies, occupational health input and well-trained and supported line managers, individuals can be better supported, for example with temporary reasonable adjustments that are less disruptive and psychological support. The end result is reduced absenteeism, presenteeism, turnover and career downsizing – and increased engagement – a win-win for affected employees and their employers.”
