Sandra Greenbank
Specialism: Health & Wellness
I help organisations minimise the hidden cost of fertility challenges by providing education and guidance so that they can attract, support and retain key talent.
Fertility challenges are common, with 1 in 6 couples having trouble conceiving, and around 1 child in every class of 30 being born as a result of fertility treatment. An infertility diagnosis, miscarriage or fertility treatment often leads to a significant detrimental effect on mental health, sick leave and work performance – not just for the person experiencing it themselves, but also for their partner.
Since fertility challenges are taboo and therefore often hidden at work, the problem is compounded for those working inside organisations. Most of those experiencing fertility problems are reluctant to speak to their employer because they worry it may have a detrimental effect on their career, or they fear being discriminated against or misunderstood. Instead, employees may suffer in silence, reduce their working hours, take sick leave or leave completely.
In my experience, this situation can be entirely prevented with the right education and support.
In 2021, the Fertility Nutrition centre conducted a survey of 200 employees of large organisations who were, or had been, going through fertility challenges. The answers highlighted a need for better workplace support:
– 87% of those surveyed agreed that they would be more loyal to an organisation that had a fertility policy
– 81% stated that a fertility policy would make a company a more attractive employment prospect
– 80% reported low mood, depression and anxiety resulting from their treatment
– 84.6% said that their organisation would benefit from education to help them better understand and support them
– 61.7% found that their fertility treatment had a negative effect on their work performance/productivity
– 35% found that their fertility challenges had a detrimental effect on their work relationships
– Out of those who had spoken to their manager about their situation, 11.2% found that this had a detrimental effect on their well-being, as a result of false assumptions or insensitive comments being made.
Through information and education, I can help your managers open up the conversations around fertility in order to keep your talent supported, motivated and engaged despite their health challenges. I also consult with HR teams to create tailored fertility policies which are mutually beneficial to your organisation and employees, helping retain best talent and avoid expensive absence-related or recruitment costs.
Drawing on nearly 20 years of specialist experience in fertility support and education, I provide bespoke programmes, workshops and training, giving practical solutions to improve awareness and insight, so that organisations can better understand and support employees.
If you are a HR director, wellbeing or DEI lead looking to better support employees navigating fertility and reproductive health challenges, please get in touch via the contact form below.
Specialisms
– Fertility awareness lectures and workshops, helping employees improve their own wellbeing and performance.
– Fertility in the workplace training for managers to help raise awareness about the issues facing their employees and help open up sensitive conversations, enabling managers to best support employees and their wider teams.
– Consulting with HR leaders to help create Fertility policies that are mutually beneficial for the organisation and their employees.
– Practical workplace solutions to support those who need a private space to store and self-administer IVF medication.
– In-person or virtual learning and bespoke toolkits
