How to support a colleague going through IVF

Understanding IVF treatment and its impact

IVF involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving those eggs, fertilising them in a lab, and transferring an embryo back to the uterus. Each cycle of IVF can take 6-8 weeks, but it often requires multiple cycles for a successful pregnancy.

According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), about 30% of fertility issues stem from male factors, and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples often require fertility treatments to grow their families.

Workplace impact

 An IVF cycle requires several appointments, blood tests, scans, and medications. Traditionally, people undergoing IVF need to visit their fertility clinic up to 10 times in a cycle. As Caroline from Apricity mentions, these appointments can be disruptive to a person’s work schedule. For someone balancing treatment with work, stress and exhaustion are common, and having a supportive work environment is crucial.

How can you offer support as a colleague?

1. Be considerate in your conversations

One of the most significant challenges is that fertility issues aren’t openly discussed. IVF can bring emotional stress, and simply asking “How are you doing?” can create a safe space for your colleague to share what they feel comfortable with. If your colleague discloses their treatment to you, remember to listen without offering unsolicited advice or asking invasive questions. 

2. Respect their privacy

While some people may be open about their fertility journey, others prefer to keep it private. Respect your colleague’s boundaries and avoid making assumptions about why they might be taking time off. Encouraging an open conversation about what they need can go a long way.

3. Adjust workload if needed

As a manager or colleague, you can help by offering flexibility around workload. For example, Caroline highlighted how taking over a meeting or lightening a project load during particularly difficult phases of treatment can reduce stress. For managers, having a clear fertility policy that includes options like flexible hours and paid leave can make it easier for employees to balance work and treatment.

What should employers do?

1. Implement fertility-friendly policies

Having a formal policy that provides paid leave for fertility treatments sends a clear message that the company supports its employees through difficult personal challenges. Many people going through IVF feel uncertain about how the process will affect their career progression, and fear of discrimination often prevents them from disclosing their situation.

2. Offer flexibility

Flexibility is crucial for employees going through IVF. Whether it’s allowing time off for appointments, or the option to work from home, providing choices helps reduce stress and can positively impact their mental health. Some individuals may need time off after receiving difficult news from the clinic, while others may want to stay at work for a sense of normalcy.

3. Foster a Compassionate Work Culture

Companies that actively foster an inclusive and supportive culture create an environment where employees feel valued. Small gestures, like offering private spaces for administering IVF medications or providing emotional support, can make a huge difference. It’s not just about having policies in place — it’s about creating an environment where employees feel comfortable being their true selves, even when going through challenging times.

Why Support Matters

IVF can be a long, emotional process with uncertain outcomes. Creating an inclusive workplace that acknowledges and supports those undergoing fertility treatments fosters a positive culture and improves employee well-being. 

Fertility issues affect a broad range of people, from heterosexual couples to LGBTQ+ families to single parents taking on the challenge of building the family of their choice. 

By educating yourself, offering compassion, and helping to create a flexible, inclusive environment, you can make a huge difference to your colleague during their IVF journey.