Men matter: Addressing the impact of male fertility on business

From our school days, we’re taught about the ‘birds and the bees’ with an unmistakable emphasis on female fertility, when in fact male-factor infertility makes up around 50% of all cases. In our modern age, it’s astounding how this outdated narrative continues to dominate not just societal discourse, but also workplace health policies across the globe. It’s time we rebalanced this equation. Men’s fertility is an integral part of the reproductive story and needs equal attention and support.

Men’s fertility: An overlooked aspect of employee wellness

When we consider employee wellbeing, organisations often provide support for stress management, mental health, and even female fertility. However, a crucial aspect frequently overlooked is men’s fertility.

• Approximately one in six couples in the UK struggle with infertility.
• In about half of these cases, the problem lies with the male partner.
• Globally, sperm count continues to decline, with a decline of more than 50% in the past 46 years.
• Only a limited number of businesses offer support for men’s fertility.

This absence of support not only impacts men’s physical and emotional health but also has far-reaching implications for businesses.

 

The Business Impact

• Productivity: Men struggling with fertility issues often report higher levels of stress and anxiety, leading to reduced productivity and engagement at work.
• Retention: A lack of fertility support can lead to higher employee turnover, with research showing that 88% of people would consider changing jobs to access fertility benefits. Employees facing fertility issues are more likely to seek employment with businesses offering more comprehensive health benefits.
• Reputation: Companies that neglect men’s fertility issues risk reputational damage. Modern employees, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are paying close attention to businesses’ commitment to comprehensive health and wellbeing policies. 

Steps to support men’s fertility in the workplace

1. Start the conversation – Break the silence around men’s fertility. It’s time we normalise discussions about male fertility in the workplace, just as we’ve done for other health issues. Organisations can host informational sessions, bring in health experts, and create safe spaces for open dialogues.
2. Implement comprehensive, inclusive health policies – Ensure your health policies are inclusive. Fertility support should cover all genders (including women, men and non-binary people), and men should have access to benefits such as fertility testing and treatments, counselling services, and flexible working hours when necessary.
3. Educate your leadership team – Train your leadership team to understand and empathise with male fertility issues. They should feel equipped to handle sensitive conversations and even feel empowered to talk about their own experiences with their team members, which in turn will reduce stigma and promote an inclusive workplace culture.

In conclusion

Men’s fertility is a crucial aspect of employee wellbeing that’s been underrepresented for far too long. By addressing this issue, businesses can not only improve their employees’ health and wellbeing but also boost productivity, retention and reputation.

As businesses, we must strive to create an inclusive environment where men’s fertility is acknowledged, supported and treated with the sensitivity it deserves. The time to act is now. Let’s work together to bring about this much-needed change.