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What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that helps individuals or couples overcome fertility challenges by facilitating conception outside the human body.
This revolutionary technology has enabled countless individuals to fulfil their dreams of starting or expanding their families.
The woman is given Fertility hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs. The eggs are then collected and mixed with sperm in a laboratory. If fertilisation is successful, then the embryos are allowed to develop in the lab for between 2 and 6 days. This helps the embryologist to select the strongest embryo, this embryo is then transferred back into the women’s womb with the hope of a pregnancy and successful birth.
Sometimes there are several good-quality embryos that have been created. In this case, it is best practice to freeze the remaining embryos. The frozen embryos can be used if the first cycle is unsuccessful.
For most individuals, one cycle of IVF can take between 4-6 weeks and can be a lengthy and emotionally challenging journey, involving multiple treatment cycles, physical discomfort, and various uncertainties. It often requires significant time commitments for medical appointments and procedures. Given these demands, companies can take proactive measures to support their employees who are going through IVF, fostering a compassionate and understanding workplace environment.
myTamarin has experts available to help employees who are going through fertility treatments and provide educated support throughout the process. We are also able to help educate all staff to build an open environment to discuss fertility challenges.
What can companies do to help employees?
From an emotional perspective:
- Foster a culture of transparency and open environment so employees feel like they can disclose information to you
- Flexible hours to allow time to balance medical procedures/appointments alongside working
- Training for line managers and HR directors about fertility and IVF
- Organising awareness trainings and interest groups
- Leaflets on communication boards/circulated in email newsletters
- Fertility Policies (some women can feel uncomfortable asking for time off) - access our myTamarin fertility policy template
- A relaxing space
- Benefits – such as access to specialised support through My Tamarin
- Provide a private area for medications in the fridge
From a Financial perspective:
- Paid Time off for appointments
- Help with funding for fertility
Examples of Progressive Employers
Stripe (financial services and payments platform): provides an inclusive set of benefits for all its staff, including fertility benefits. Their fertility benefits are said to reimburse up to 80% of costs, for up to $10,000 annually or $20,000 overall.
Amex: employees have access to a lifetime maximum benefit of $35,000 for reproductive and fertility treatments, available under the company's health plans.
IVF is a transformative journey that can present significant challenges for individuals and couples. Companies have a unique opportunity to support their employees during this process by providing access to expert-led support throughout the journey.
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