Organisations should consider implementing a pregnancy loss policy in the workplace to provide support and accommodations for employees who experience pregnancy loss. A pregnancy loss policy demonstrates empathy, compassion, and sensitivity towards employees during a challenging and emotionally difficult time. For an example template of a robust pregnancy loss policy, feel free to leverage our pregnancy loss policy template under our pregnancy loss resources.

With 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in stillbirth or pregnancy loss in the UK, organisations need to make sure they have support in place to help employees navigate this very difficult period. Here are some example how employers can support:

Accessible information: Having a structured pregnancy leave policy in place creates an open culture free from stigma, makes sure employees feel comfortable in the workplace. Having a policy and guideline will help educate the HR team in supporting employees, and will inform your employees of their specific rights when it comes to their pregnancy loss (including time off).

Awareness in the workplace: Making sure there is a focus on educating the organisation on the impact of pregnancy loss on the workforce (resources, webinars, etc.) and how important it is to support individuals throughout this devastating period.

Staff training: Ensuring line managers understand how to have conversations with people who have experienced pregnancy loss and how they can support someone going through it. 

Outsource personalised support to experts: Pregnancy loss affects everyone differently. Whether it's your own loss or a loss of someone you love, the effects on both physical and mental health can vary massively. Consider introducing personalised expert led support for employees experiencing pregnancy loss.