One in six people globally is affected by infertility, according to the World Health Organization, and around one in seven couples in the UK may have difficulty conceiving—yet many employers do not have a workplace policy for supporting staff who are undergoing fertility treatment.Employees often find it challenging to balance the demands of their work with frequent medical appointments and invasive procedures. Fertility treatment can also cause considerable emotional stress and, without the right support, employees may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to fully engage at work, affecting both their wellbeing and their performance.Failure to support staff as they attempt to navigate those challenges can have a significant impact on workplace satisfaction and staff retention. According to a study by the CIPD, one in give (19%) people experiencing fertility issues considered leaving their job, while a survey conducted by Total jobs in partnership with the Fawcett Society revealed that one in five workers who had undergone fertility treatment did actually quit due to the way they were treated during the process. Employers should also be aware of the legal landscape. While there is currently no statutory right to time off for fertility treatment in the UK, businesses are encouraged to adopt supportive policies. The Women's Health Strategy for England highlights that many employers fail to recognise infertility as a genuine medical issue, which can lead to misunderstandings about the physical, mental, and financial strain on employees undergoing treatment.At YuLife, we believe that employee wellbeing is at the core of a thriving business. Our ethos centres around providing holistic support that helps employees live healthier, more balanced lives. Whether it's through physical health, mental wellbeing, or practical support during challenging times, we are dedicated to helping employers ensure that their employees feel valued and cared for.YuLife offers a range of solutions that can directly support your employees in navigating their fertility journey. For example, YuLife partners with Hertility to provide employees using the employee app with access to reproductive health experts and at-home hormone and fertility testing kits.1. Implement a comprehensive fertility policyThis should cover aspects such as time off for appointments, flexible working arrangements, and confidentiality measures. Ensure the policy is inclusive of all employees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status.2. Offer flexible working arrangementsProviding options for remote work, flexible hours, or even adjusting schedules to accommodate the demands of fertility treatment allows your team to attend appointments and manage the physical and emotional aspects of their treatment without compromising their work responsibilities. Offering flexible working is a key way for employers to demonstrate they understand the demands placed on employees during fertility treatment. 3. Provide financial supportConsider offering fertility treatment coverage as part of your employee benefits package. This could include coverage for procedures such as IVF, egg freezing, or other assisted reproductive technologies. Even partial coverage can significantly alleviate the financial burden on employees.4. Create a supportive and inclusive cultureFoster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their fertility journey without fear of judgment or discrimination. Encourage open conversations and provide training to managers on how to support employees undergoing fertility treatment sensitively.5. Establish employee resource groupsSet up support networks or employee resource groups specifically for individuals experiencing fertility challenges. These groups can provide a safe space for employees to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support.6. Offer counselling and emotional supportProvide access to counselling services or employee assistance programmes (EAPs) that specifically cater to the unique challenges faced by individuals undergoing fertility treatments. YuLife offers YuMatter, an EAP that includes counselling and wellbeing support.7. Educate and raise awarenessOrganise workshops or seminars to educate all employees about fertility issues, treatment options, and the emotional impact of the fertility journey. 8. Ensure confidentialityImplement strict confidentiality measures to protect employees' privacy regarding their fertility treatment. Clear guidelines should be established to safeguard sensitive information.9. Offer career development supportEnsure that employees undergoing fertility treatment are not overlooked and provide reassurance that their career progression will not be negatively impacted.10. Review and adapt policies regularlyContinuously review and update your fertility support policies based on employee feedback and emerging best practices. As Jemma Olchawski, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, states: "Creating an environment which supports workers going through fertility treatment will result in happier staff, better retention, and better progression of talented women, all of which ultimately leads to an improved gender pay gap and more flourishing staff.”About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.