The F Word at Work

Fertility Matters at Work
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The F Word at Work

The F Word at Work from Fertility Matters at Work is a conversation for busy HR, D&I and wellbeing leads with the aim to open your minds to the vast topic of fertility at work and why it really matters for employees and businesses too. We know that more sensitive and taboo topics can instill the fear of getting the conversation wrong, or not knowing where to start, so by sharing a range of diverse conversations from our community about their own family building struggles and how it has affected their everyday working life, we hope you’ll understand what support people need. You’ll also hear examples of best practice from trail-blazing organisations already doing amazing work to support their people and we’ll also be sharing insights from thought-leaders in the workplace wellbeing space about the work already being done, the impact it is having and the possibilities that lie ahead to help make workplaces better, more engaging places to work, attractors and retainers of talent, all within a psychologically safe environment free from stigma and taboo.

  1. 13 NOV

    How to support a colleague going through Solo Parenthood

    Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work! Today, I’m excited to welcome Mel Johnson, the founder of The Stork and I, to the podcast. Mel has been a regular speaker within our community and spoke at The F Word at Work Live summit and she has is part of our amazing community of speakers we bring into organisations to showcase the many routes to parenthood. In this episode, we continue our series on how to support colleagues through specific paths to parenthood. Mel shares valuable insights from her own journey as a solo mum and addresses the fears and challenges that arise in the workplace when navigating solo parenthood.  Here’s what we cover in our conversation:  Mel discusses her experience entering solo parenthood and how the awareness around this topic in HR has evolved over the years. She reflects on the lack of understanding and support she encountered at the start of her journey. We dive into the various fears individuals face when revealing their solo parenthood journey to colleagues and managers, including concerns about judgment and the pressure to maintain career stability while managing personal choices. Mel emphasizes the importance of reframing societal perceptions of parenthood and challenges the traditional narrative that couples must be involved to create a family. She encourages a shift in language that empowers solo parents rather than evoking sympathy. We discuss the significance of building a strong support network as a solo parent and how to navigate conversations with colleagues about family structures that differ from the traditional norm. Mel highlights the unique challenges solo parents face in balancing work commitments with childcare responsibilities, particularly as some organizations revert to requiring in-office attendance. We explore strategies for managers and colleagues to create an inclusive environment that recognizes various family forms, ensuring open dialogues and understanding. The importance of continued dialogue about different paths to parenthood is emphasized, encouraging workplaces to acknowledge and adapt to the diverse experiences of their employees.  Mel's insights serve as a crucial reminder of the need for understanding and empathy in workplace conversations about solo parenthood and family-building challenges.  A special thanks to Apricity for sponsoring this series of The F Word at Work. To learn more about how they can support your employees with inclusive fertility care, connect with their expert corporate team here. We’d love your support and feedback, so please hit follow and leave a review in your podcast app!   If you are reading this before 20th November 2024, there's still time to register for our next webinar here Stay Connected:  Follow The F Word at Work for access to our free resources:  Download our guidance here.   You can book a call to speak with us here.   Explore our services and subscribe to our newsletter here.   Join our vibrant community on a...

    25 min

  2. 13 NOV

    How to support a colleague on a surrogacy journey

    Welcome back to The F Word at Work! We’re excited to be in our 4th series, focused on how you can support colleagues through their various routes to parenthood. We hope you’ve found our content useful and have either incorporated it into your resources or shared it with your team. If not, now’s the perfect time to do so! This series is a comprehensive ‘How to’ guide, offering insights into the challenges of family building and how to address them in the workplace.   In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Mike Johnson-Ellis, who spoke at The F Word at Work live summit, as part of our intersectionality panel and is one of our guest speakers when we are working with our member organisations. Mike previously shared his impactful story on our podcast and is one half of Two Dads UK with his partner Wes, has made significant contributions to the surrogacy community. Together, they founded My Surrogacy Journey (MSJ) and the Modern Family Show. At Fertility Matters at Work, we’re delighted to partner with MSJ, and you can learn more about this collaboration in our discussion.  Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:  Mike outlines the key concerns for employees navigating surrogacy, including the need for upfront communication and the psychological impacts of sharing personal information with their employer. We delve into the complexities of surrogacy, such as coordinating schedules between intended parents, surrogates, and potential egg donors, and how these challenges can impact work. Mike discusses the current perceptions of surrogacy compared to IVF, highlighting the need for greater awareness and acceptance in the workplace. Mike provides practical advice for managers and colleagues on creating a supportive environment for those going through surrogacy, including fostering trust and flexibility. We explore the broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in their surrogacy journeys, emphasising the need for empathy and understanding.  Thank you to Mike for sharing his insights and to our listeners for tuning in! We encourage you to use the information from this episode to enhance your support for colleagues facing fertility and surrogacy challenges.  A special thanks to Apricity for sponsoring this series of The F Word at Work. To learn more about how they can support your employees with inclusive fertility care, connect with their expert corporate team here. We’d love your support and feedback, so please hit follow and leave a review in your podcast app!  If you're reading this before 20th November 2024, you can still register for our next webinar here Stay Connected:  Follow The F Word at Work for access to our free resources:  Download our guidance here.   You can book a call to speak with us here.   Explore our services and subscribe to our newsletter a href="https://fertilitymattersatwork.com/workshop/" rel="noopener...

    19 min

  3. 9 OCT

    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 teama...

    29 min

  4. 30 SEPT

    How to support a colleague dealing with PCOS

    Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work! This is our How to Support Your Colleague series, designed for managers, senior leaders, and HR professionals to gain insights into the challenges colleagues may face while navigating their journeys to parenthood. This episode coincides with PCOS Awareness Month, and we aim to shed light on how PCOS can impact individuals in the workplace.  We’re delighted to welcome Kate Davis, our medical advisor at Fertility Matters at Work. Kate is an independent fertility nurse consultant and the host of The Fertility Podcast. She has been instrumental in raising awareness of various reproductive health challenges, including menstrual health and PCOS.  Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:  Kate explains what polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is and how it can affect individuals physically and emotionally. She discusses its symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, weight issues, and self-esteem challenges. We explore the emotional toll that a PCOS diagnosis can have on individuals, especially regarding their self-esteem and mental health in the workplace. Kate highlights how these factors can impact job performance and overall well-being. Kate shares insights on how PCOS is managed, including lifestyle changes and ovulation medications. We discuss the importance of understanding the length of individuals’ journeys and the challenges they may face at work. We provide guidance on how individuals can approach conversations with their managers about PCOS. Kate offers practical language to use, emphasising that it’s okay to maintain privacy while still seeking support. We discussed the need for employers to foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges the complexities of reproductive health issues. Kate encourages open dialogue and understanding to better support colleagues.    Thank you to Kate for sharing her expertise and insights on this important topic. We encourage you to explore her resources and continue the conversation about PCOS in the workplace.  Thank you for tuning in to The F Word at Work. We’d love your support and feedback, so please hit follow and leave a review in your podcast app!  Don't miss the chance to join The F Word at Work Live - register your interest here Stay Connected:  Download our guidance here. Book a call with us here. Explore our services and subscribe to our newsletter here. Join our vibrant community on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.  Join the Conversation: Engage with us to support a more inclusive workplace for all.  Thank you again to our series sponsor – Apricity.

    18 min

  5. 16 SEPT

    How to support a colleague who is childless not by choice

    Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work, as we continue our 'How To' series, which aims to provide insights for HR professionals, managers, and colleagues on how to support those facing specific family-building challenges. This episode coincides with World Childless Week which provides an amazing community of support for those who are childless not by choice and is a resource we'd highly recommend you add to your signposting. The childless not by choice community are often-overlooked in the workplace and at FMAW, we are doing a lot of work with our members to change this. For this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Helen Gallagher to the podcast. Helen is a coach providing 1:1 coaching, business consultancy and workplace coaching specialising in support on being childlessness not by choice. She is also the host of the Happy and Childless podcast, where she engages in powerful conversations about the experiences of those who are childless not by choice. Her advocacy work sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals in this situation, especially in the context of workplace policies and support. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation: • Helen discusses the importance of recognising and supporting those who are childless not by choice. She highlights how family and parental leave policies can unintentionally emphasise what these individuals are not, rather than offering inclusive support. • Helen shares her personal experience of trying to build a family and the emotional and practical challenges she faced. Her story provides context for her advocacy and her drive to address these issues publicly. • Helen talks about her decision to become an advocate and the timing of sharing her experiences openly. She reflects on how this has shaped her work and her podcast. • We explore practical advice for organisations on how to support colleagues who are childless not by choice. Helen offers insights into creating an inclusive and empathetic work environment. • Helen provides a sneak peek into some of the key discussions on her Happy and Childless podcast, encouraging listeners to explore further resources and conversations on this topic. Thank you to Helen for joining us and sharing her invaluable insights. We encourage you to listen to her podcast for more in-depth discussions on this important issue. Thank you for tuning in to The F Word at Work. We’d love your support and feedback, so please hit follow and leave a review in your podcast app! Stay Connected: • Download our guidance here. • Book a call with us here. • Explore our services and subscribe to our newsletter here. • Join our vibrant community on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. • Listen to Helen’s podcast here – Happy and Childless Join the Conversation: Don’t miss out on the dialogue. Follow and engage with us to support a more inclusive workplace for all. Thank you again to our series sponsor a...

    27 min

  6. 2 SEPT

    How to support a colleague through IVF

    Welcome back to The F Word at Work, we’re now in our 4th series and we really hope you’ve found our content useful and have either included it in your resources on this conversation or have been sharing it with colleagues. If not - please do as this series is a ‘How to’ guide to enable you to support colleagues through the many different routes to parenthood and it will be a really useful touch point for anyone you’re trying to get to understand more about the challenges that come with family building.   In our first episode, were’ speaking to Caroline Cook, Head of Patient Experience at Apricity and former NHS midwife, to our series kickoff. Apricity are also our series sponsor, so we’re delighted that Caroline could join us to launch this series. She brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch to the conversation. Her deep understanding of fertility treatments and dedication to enhancing patient care make her a valuable voice in advocating for workplace support and inclusivity.    Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:  Caroline shares key takeaways from the ESHRE conference in Amsterdam, focusing on the latest developments in IVF and the growing need for workplace support for fertility care. She discusses her transition from NHS midwifery to private fertility care, including her own fertility experiences, providing valuable perspectives from both a professional and personal standpoint. We cover practical advice for managers and HR professionals on creating a supportive work environment. Topics include inclusive policies, understanding fertility treatments, and addressing unconscious bias. We talked about the importance of kindness, flexibility, and empathy in the workplace, especially regarding fertility challenges. Caroline offers guidance on handling discussions about fertility at work, including when to inquire about personal updates and respecting boundaries. We discuss feedback from our audience about their experiences with workplace support and the need for a compassionate approach during fertility treatments.    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.  We'd love your support and feedback so please do hit follow and if possible leave a review in the app you are listening to.  Stay Connected:[Text Wrapping Break]Follow The F Word at Work for access to our free resources:  Download our guidance here. You can book a call to speak with us here. Explore our services and subscribe to our newsletter here. Join our vibrant community on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.  Join the Conversation:[Text Wrapping...

    25 min

  7. 29 JUL

    Why supporting employees through life events matters

    Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work where we join Helen Letchfield co-founder of P&P coaching which she set up in 2009 based on her personal experience of the startling transition of moving from being a professional with a senior role, to a sleep-deprived, brand-new, home-alone parent – and then back again into the world of organisational politics and career demands – all on reduced hours. In this thought-provoking conversation Helen shares her insights on what has changed in the workplace well-being space over the last 16 years and what she thinks are key trends for 2023. What was discussed: Primary and Secondary caregiversWhat has changed over the last 16 years in terms of workplaces understanding wellbeing - more about legal casesNow it’s around helping everyone back into the workplace after becoming parents What it means to be a family-friendly supporting organisation Importance of making people feel welcomed and supported at workProgressive organisations are using that for an attraction and retentions toolHow the pandemic has helped to shifted the awareness around looking after new parents and leadership developHow post-pandemic both Mums and Dads were asking for flexibility chHow virtual sessions have enabled a greater reach with people feeling happier as they are able to have these conversations at home The choice of partitioner can be determined by the coach, not location Why employers are worried about giving ‘managers’ more to do - as senior managers hadn’t done the role play needed to coach middle managers - there was a skill and knowledge gapDidn’t realise the impact it has to be supportiveHow organisations are now more ready to look at the whole cycle - happy to look more at what family-friendly means - including looking at fertility issues and menopause, gendered ageism. How different organisations in different sectors are in different places in terms of taking this whole conversation.Finance and Law sectors - lead the way, now more male-heavy, male-dominated sectors such as manufacturing are coming to talk about these issues as they are recognising the need. Fertility keeps coming up time and time again as people recognise they want to break the taboo Need to support HR, D&I, Managers in taking on these new roles Ensure that initiates are put out for men and womenCreate an equal playing field Trends in 2023 - work to prove that this work does support the attraction and retention routeGendered ageism - the impact on the over 50’s and the importance of this population Making sure managers don’t make assumptions about anyone’s circumstances  Thanks once again to our series sponsor Apricity. Book a call to speak with us here  Watch our FMAW 30-minute demo on our services to find out exactly how we'd support your organisation with our training and membership   Find out more about our services here   Follow us on Insta and hear what our community has to say   a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-matters-at-work/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    30 min

  8. 29 JUL

    Mike Johnson Ellis - Surrogacy matters

    Welcome to another episode of The F Word at Work where we're sharing one of our original zoom conversations broadcast in 2022. An enlightening conversation with Mike Johnson-Ellis one half of Two Dads UK with his partner Wes and the pair have founded My Surrogacy Journey (MSJ) and the Modern Family Show. At Fertility Matters at Work we're delighted to be working in partnership with MSJ and you can find out more about what that looks like by having a listen. What was discussed: The lack of empathy that Mike expereinced when he talked to his work about his plans. How they had no understanding of infertility or why he would want to attend appointments with his Surrogate How Mike had no emotional support, nobody asked him what he needed or what he was going through His colleagues were far to afraid of saying the wrong thing so they said nothing resulting in Mike not getting any support and feeling the pressure of doing his job as he was distracted by what he was going through. t How everyone in his work environment couldn't believe he wanted a baby The Toxic masculinity Lack of awareness in organisations - 10 years on from when same sex marriages became legal. At that point in time businesses should have started thinking about what that would mean and what people would need and they didn't. How a basic employment skill is knowing your business and your people and the importance of how we learn by our curiosity - asking people within an organisation what they need support with Why surrogacy fills people with fear -it's not just for same-sex couples it is for women who can't carry Explaination of Intended Parents (IP's) How organisations who proudly say they support LBGT communications - need to ask themselves has the conversation has gone deep enough to find out what they really need Lack of people talking about policies so we need there to be more conversations Use staff networks, ideas captures, and forums involving different groups. to raise awareness of this and get the conversation started, you can do it anonymously The issue with the use of word adoption being used when people are going through surrogacy, you aren't adopting it you are having a biological child Policies are very heteronormative Why surrogacy fills people with fear -it's not just for same-sex couples it is for women who can't carry Thanks once again to our series sponsor Apricity. Book a call to speak with us here  Watch our FMAW 30-minute demo on our services to find out exactly how we'd support your organisation with our training and membership   Find out more about our services here   Follow us on Insta and hear what our community has to say   Join us on Linked In   Find us on Twitter

    38 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The F Word at Work from Fertility Matters at Work is a conversation for busy HR, D&I and wellbeing leads with the aim to open your minds to the vast topic of fertility at work and why it really matters for employees and businesses too. We know that more sensitive and taboo topics can instill the fear of getting the conversation wrong, or not knowing where to start, so by sharing a range of diverse conversations from our community about their own family building struggles and how it has affected their everyday working life, we hope you’ll understand what support people need. You’ll also hear examples of best practice from trail-blazing organisations already doing amazing work to support their people and we’ll also be sharing insights from thought-leaders in the workplace wellbeing space about the work already being done, the impact it is having and the possibilities that lie ahead to help make workplaces better, more engaging places to work, attractors and retainers of talent, all within a psychologically safe environment free from stigma and taboo.

Information

  • Creator
    Fertility Matters at Work
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Fertility Matters at Work
  • Show Website
    The F Word at Work

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