Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing is calling on employers to talk more openly about male infertility and promote inclusive benefits policies.
According to Howden, around 1 in 7 couples experience fertility issues– of these a third are due to male infertility. Howden says the problem not only has an impact on a person’s health but also reduces productivity at work because of the necessity of using sick days.
This month, Howden is releasing a guide about men’s health in the workplace, which covers infertility. The guide provides useful business advice, insights into the causes and effects of male infertility, and alarming data on men’s health. Ten tactics are provided in the book to address the stigma associated with men’s health, including mental health, infertility, and male malignancies.
Howden UK wellbeing leader Emma Capper says: “When employers are talking about fertility it’s important that they recognise fertility is not solely a female concern. Many individuals, regardless of gender, face fertility challenges at some point in their lives.
“They may experience infertility themselves or undergo emotional turmoil when supporting their partners through fertility treatments or pregnancy loss. To build a supportive environment, companies should ensure their health and employee benefit policies are inclusive, addressing both male and female fertility concerns, as well as the needs of same-sex couples and individuals with diverse gender identities.
‘’Employee benefits can play an important role in providing vital support to employees facing fertility issues. From EAPs that provide counselling and emotional and practical support, to virtual GPs and private healthcare which covers diagnosis and treatment. Howden encourages employers to review the support they offer to check whether they include fertility and more broadly, gender specific policies which reflect the needs of employees within their workforce.”
Capper adds: “While the statistics on men’s health are concerning, they can be improved with the right actions. We urge employers to adopt a proactive stance in supporting their male employees and for them to utilise their employee benefits to help. Our guide offers practical guidance to enhance business performance, attract and retain talent, reduce absenteeism due to illness, and potentially save lives.”
