How to support a colleague dealing with Pregnancy or Baby Loss

Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work! As always, we're so pleased you've given us your earholes and if this is your first time tuning in, do check out our previous episodes. They feature thought-provoking discussions about why fertility and family-building topics should be a priority on workplace wellbeing agendas. However this fourth series focuses specifically on how to support colleagues through various family-building challenges and it aims to be a really useful toolkit for you.

This episode is landing at the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week in the UK and so we wanted to put the focus on how to support a colleague dealing with pregnancy or baby loss. There is sadly, still such taboo around this topic and all we can hope for, is that by continuing to talk about it, the stigma will lessen over time.

You'll hear Natalie in conversation with Katy Schnitzler, an esteemed trainer and founder of Mist. Katy works regularly with us here at FMAW, using her findings from her academic research around pregnancy loss, miscarriage and the experiences of those who are childless not by choice, particularly their impact in the workplace - to inform the organisations we support. Katy is amazing and a really compelling speaker, plus she is also a lead trainer at the Miscarriage Association, and what you'll learn here in this chat will be invaluable.

Here’s a glimpse into our conversation: 

• Katy emphasizes the holistic approach needed when discussing pregnancy loss, highlighting both the physical and emotional implications for those affected in the workplace. 
• We explore common misconceptions surrounding pregnancy loss and the potential physical challenges that individuals face, which can significantly impact their work life. 
• Katy offers practical advice for managers and HR professionals on how to compassionately support colleagues experiencing pregnancy loss. This includes the importance of using appropriate language and demonstrating genuine empathy.
• We discuss the emotional toll of pregnancy loss not only on the individual but also on their partner, stressing the importance of acknowledging their feelings and experiences as well. 
• We talk about the need for workplace policies that address pregnancy loss and how to implement them, as well as the importance of peer support and training for colleagues. 
• Katy shares strategies for initiating open conversations about pregnancy loss, emphasizing that it's crucial for workplaces to foster an environment where employees feel safe discussing their experiences. 

As we approach Baby Loss Awareness Week, we encourage organisations to consider how they can acknowledge this sensitive topic thoughtfully and inclusively. If you are wanting to understand more about how to have these sensitive conversations in your place of work, please do join our F Word at Work Live summit on Monday 4th November.

Thank you for joining us for this important discussion. We hope you find these insights helpful in fostering a supportive workplace culture. 

Thank you to Apricity who are sponsoring this series of The F Word at Work. To find out about more about  how they can support your employees with inclusive fertility care please get in touch with its expert corporate team here.