How Fertility Matters at Work are Transforming Support for Fertility in the Workplace
Fertility struggles affect 1 in 6 people worldwide, yet for many, the workplace remains one of the hardest environments to navigate. In the latest episode of The Male Fertility Podcast, hosts Shaun and Ciaran sat down with Becky Kearns and Natalie Silverman, co-founders of Fertility Matters at Work, to explore how employers can better support employees facing fertility challenges—especially men.
The Hidden Strain of Fertility Treatment at Work
“I took the stress of my fertility journey into the workplace every day. Everything became harder,” shared Ciaran, reflecting on his own experience with male fertility issues. For many, the demands of fertility treatment and work collide in painful ways: short-notice appointments, hormonal side effects, invasive procedures, and the emotional toll—all while trying to maintain job performance.
Becky Kearns, an HR professional and fertility advocate, described how her own diagnosis of premature ovarian insufficiency affected her sense of self: “When you go through a fertility struggle, your identity is challenged in many ways… I started feeling like I was failing at work as well.”
Why Support Varies: The ‘Line Manager Lottery’
One recurring issue is what Becky and Natalie call the “line manager lottery”—where the level of support depends entirely on the individual manager. “I won the lottery,” said Ciaran, recalling his supportive school leadership team. “But there was no policy around it.” Becky stressed this shouldn’t be down to luck: “We hear it all the time—‘I had a really supportive manager.’ That should be the norm, not the exception.”
What a Fertility-Friendly Workplace Policy Should Include
According to Fertility Matters at Work, a gold-standard workplace fertility policy should offer:
- Inclusive language that recognises fertility as a people issue, not just a women’s issue
- Paid time off for fertility treatment appointments, without requiring employees to use annual leave or sick leave
- Flexible time-off options, including the ability to take time in hours rather than full days
- Support for partners as well as the person undergoing treatment
- Non-heteronormative terminology that reflects all paths to parenthood
- A trust-based system that does not require proof of appointments
- Clear signposting to emotional and practical support resources
Natalie added: “It not only benefits the employee, but it benefits the employer. I can’t fathom why this hasn’t been picked up quicker.”
Quick Wins for Employers Looking to Support Fertility at Work
Organisations looking to improve fertility support can start with these steps:
- Listen to your employees: Use surveys or listening sessions to understand unmet needs
- Start the conversation: Simply acknowledging fertility as a workplace issue can reduce stigma
- Train your managers: Equip line managers with guidance to hold supportive conversations
- Use free resources: Fertility Matters at Work provides toolkits, templates, and training
Why Male Fertility Must Be Part of the Conversation
While workplace fertility policies often centre around women, male factor infertility is involved in over 50% of cases. Shaun and Ciaran both spoke about the emotional burden of staying silent at work. Shaun admitted: “I kept it secret for a year and a half. I just didn’t feel like I had the language or the permission to talk about it.” Natalie noted how the tide is turning: “We thought it would be hard to get 10 men to speak to us. We ended up with enough stories to fill two or three seasons.”
Advice for Men Navigating Fertility Treatment at Work
Becky’s advice: “Find someone at work you trust. It doesn’t have to be your manager—but you shouldn’t have to go through this alone.” Natalie added: “One man said, ‘I want to be there at the conception of my child.’ That kind of language—those sound bites—can empower others to speak up.”
Free Resources from Fertility Matters at Work
Fertility Matters at Work provides a range of free tools and support for employees and employers, including:
- Downloadable guides explaining what a typical IVF cycle involves
- Templates for building a business case for workplace fertility policies
- The F Word at Work podcast
- White papers and research on fertility and employee wellbeing
By combining their lived experience with professional expertise, Becky and Natalie are leading the way in transforming how organisations support fertility in the workplace — for men, for women, for everyone.
This article is based on Fertility Matter's at Work's appearance on The Male Fertility Podcast — where we share a wide array of helpful information to support men on their fertility journey.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Visit www.fertilitymattersatwork.com to learn more and start building a fertility-friendly workplace today.