One in six people globally are affected by infertility, according to the World Health Organization, and about 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age in the US have experienced fertility problems, 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 five people (19%) experiencing fertility issues considered leaving their job, while a survey conducted by Totaljobs in partnership with the Fawcett Society revealed that one in five workesr 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 US, businesses are encouraged to adopt supportive policies. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act supports people undergoing fertility treatment but many employers fail to recognize 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 centers 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 who are navigating their fertility journey. For example, YuLife offers discounted rates for obé Fitness, which provides employees with personalized cycle insights and strength training to support women’s health and hormones. Here are 10 more ways that businesses can offer support.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 sensitively support employees undergoing fertility treatment.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 counseling and emotional supportProvide access to counseling services or employee assistance programs (EAPs) that specifically cater to the unique challenges faced by individuals undergoing fertility treatments. YuLife offers YuMatter, an EAP that includes counseling and wellbeing support.7. Educate and raise awarenessOrganize 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.”