published an Employment Code of Practice , 2011 [ 15 ] that recommends that employers “ consider adopting a procedure for dealing with such requests ”; currently only 27 % of employers have a standalone policy or include provision as part of a wider policy .
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) [ 16 ] has designed a guide to creating a workplace fertility policy , which includes CIPD ' s own journey in defining workplace procedures for fertility treatment , entitled Workplace support for employees experiencing fertility challenges , investigations or treatment policy [ 17 ] . There is also a research-informed template available for employers to download and use , entitled Policy checklist for assisted reproductive policies in the workplace [ 18 ] .
Some employers are even choosing to help fund fertility treatment as part of their employment package , but this should be considered in combination with other benefits that promote career-building and family [ 19 ] .
Workplace adjustments
Workplace adjustments may be needed to support employees undergoing fertility treatment . For example , physical or strenuous activity is not advised towards the end of the treatment , as the ovaries are extremely swollen and the risk of ovarian contusion is high [ 20 ] , and employees may require breaks at work in order to administer their medications .
Emotional support
NICE guidelines recommend that people going through fertility treatment receive counselling before , during or afterwards , and this may be offered by their clinic [ 21 ] .
It is up to the individual whether they wish to share information about their treatment . However , it can be helpful for employers to know that an employee is undergoing fertility treatment so they can make adequate adjustments at work and understand the need for any related breaks or time off , which may be unpredictable in nature . It can also be helpful if colleagues understand the reason behind any mood changes , which are a side effect of the medications , any physical limitations imposed by the treatment , and the importance of support such as talking or listening .
Conclusions
Throughout my egg-freezing journey , I have been lucky enough to have the support of friends and family . The healthcare I received was extremely supportive , informative and kind . It reminded me how proud I am to work in the veterinary healthcare profession . Who knows , one of those little eggs may one day become a VN . That ' s the future , though ; for now , I ' m happy that they ' re being looked after by our nursing counterparts on an indefinite vacation in their ice hotel .
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