Bourn Hall IVF clinic near Cambourne is partnering with a national charity to help companies support staff experiencing fertility struggles.
The clinic is taking part in Fertility Network UK's Fertility in the Workplace (FiTW) initiative.
A recent survey conducted by the charity and London-based clinic Fertifa showed that 78 per cent of people who have experienced fertility issues said that fertility support or a fertility policy was important to them when considering a new job or employer.
Employers can help provide a supportive working environment and retain staff through offering flexibility to attend appointments and promoting greater understanding of what fertility treatment involves.
Claire Heuclin, Fertility Network UK’s FiTW coordinator, said: "One in six people have difficulties conceiving, and all are of working age.
"Infertility impacts both partners and can create devastating effects on all areas of their lives.
"We are delighted Bourn Hall is partnering with us on our Fertility in the Workplace initiative.
"If employers and managers are aware of what fertility treatments involve and what the outcomes can look like, they can better understand the associated stress and can create safe spaces for staff to talk in confidence."
The FiTW initiative provides education and support packages to employers to help them develop fertility policies, as well as signposting and wellbeing support.
Employees can also receive one-to-one support so they understand their workplace rights and how to approach their employer.
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Dr Thanos Papathanasiou, CEO and medical director of Bourn Hall, said: "While it is important for employers to make adjustments to support their staff, there is also a role for fertility clinics to be more supportive of people balancing treatment with work.
"We talk to patients who don’t want to jeopardise their careers, so they are trying to make appointments and inject hormone medication in secret – all the while balancing a rollercoaster of emotions from hope to despair.
"Additionally, some types of work can evoke emotional triggers. We see patients in professions such as teaching, midwifery, and the police where they work closely with children, often in distressing situations – and their managers have no knowledge of their personal trauma."
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