Embarking on the journey of IVF treatment is a deeply personal and often challenging experience, especially when intertwined with the complexities of workplace dynamics.
A recent survey by Zurich UK, involving 250 women who recently underwent IVF treatment, sheds light on the formidable hurdles faced by women grappling with the decision to disclose their IVF status at work.
Silent Struggles: Concealing IVF Treatment Amid Career Concerns
The survey reveals a striking statistic – more than half of women (58%) undergoing IVF choose not to disclose their treatment to their employer. The overwhelming fear of job loss stands out as the primary deterrent, echoing the anxieties around career progression and job security. A substantial 32% of women believe that revealing their IVF status could jeopardize their job, while 26% fear it might question their commitment to their role.
Impact on Careers: A Stark Reality
Inadequate support for IVF in the workplace takes a toll on women's careers, with 12% deciding to quit their jobs due to a lack of employer support. Additionally, nearly one in seven (14%) opt for reduced working hours, and a similar figure (13%) accepts lower-paid roles. Alarmingly, women in same-sex relationships face a higher likelihood (27% vs. 13%) of accepting a demotion compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
Growing Challenge for Employers: Rising IVF Cases
IVF is emerging as a pressing concern for employers, given the upward trajectory in women seeking fertility treatment. With approximately 53,000 women annually undergoing IVF in the UK, employers grapple with the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of employee needs and challenges. Couples delaying parenthood until later in life further contribute to the surge in IVF cases.
The Workplace Struggle: Balancing IVF and Career Obligations
For women working through their IVF cycles, the survey illuminates the challenges they face. One in five (21%) finds the task of continuing regular work during IVF cycles particularly arduous. Taking annual leave for appointments poses a significant challenge for 19% of women, while 12% express the difficulty of using annual leave following a miscarriage. Disturbingly, 15% of women report feeling discriminated against by their managers.
The Power of Disclosure: Benefits and Challenges
While the majority of women hesitate to disclose their IVF treatment, those who do witness significant benefits. A remarkable 64% affirm that discussing IVF with managers or employers eases their overall IVF experience. However, disclosure often exposes individuals to invasive or misinformed comments, with insinuations about age (30%) or lifestyle choices (40%).
Advocating for Change: Zurich's Initiatives
Enhancing leave policies emerges as a crucial factor influencing women's comfort in disclosing IVF treatment. Zurich UK, recognizing this need, offers 16 days of IVF leave since 2019, in addition to existing maternity, adoption, and paternity leave. Teaming up with Fertility Matters at Work, Zurich advocates for a fundamental change in employment legislation, urging the government to mandate IVF leave for all companies. The aim is to align IVF leave with other medical and pregnancy-related leave, fostering a more supportive work environment.
Steve Collinson, Chief HR Officer at Zurich UK, emphasizes the significance of recognizing the unique journeys individuals undertake to start a family. Enabling women to thrive at all stages of life is crucial for attracting and retaining high-performing individuals. Zurich's commitment reflects a proactive stance in ensuring that the workplace is attuned to the emotional and physical stress associated with IVF treatment, fostering understanding, and providing tangible support. As workplaces evolve, Zurich envisions a future where individuals navigating IVF feel empowered, supported, and free from the specter of career repercussions.
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