I'm seeing more communications about fertility issues in the workplace and although they all seem to forget childlessness as a possible outcome (and the implications), I feel that the fertility topics are an opportunity to remind HR about the childless experience too.
I'm definitely seeing more information coming out about fertility awareness. The other day I attended a meeting 'Empowering people on their journey to parenthood!' (ugh!) Seemed a bit odd attending something like that in my working day but I gritted my teeth as I see anything like that as an opportunity to raise awareness. I dropped this question in the chat box:
"Can we do more to support those whose fertility journey ends without a child? IVF fails over 70% of the time and the most likely outcome of treatment is childlessness. Currently 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 4 men in the UK are permanently childless, 90% not by choice, and many can experience profound grief, which can often be triggered in the workplace but is shrouded in shame and unsupported. Can we also offer support and recognise those who are dealing with their childless grief? Recognising childlessness as part of a fertility policy would be a start, and raising awareness of World Childless Week as a vital resource for support, this year 11-17th September. Thank you."
I had another meeting so couldn't wait to hear any responses, but I feel at least it was there - raised as a question and hopefully raised some awareness too.
