When most HR teams hear “fertility,” they think: family planning. IVF. Egg freezing. Starting a family.
But here’s the reality: not every fertility conversation in the workplace is about wanting a baby right now—or ever.
Sometimes it’s about managing endometriosis so you can show up to work without pain.
Sometimes it’s about freezing eggs because you’re not ready, but still want options later.
Sometimes it’s about preserving fertility before cancer treatment.
Sometimes it’s about navigating menopause while trying to perform through brain fog, hot flashes, or fatigue.
Sometimes it’s about trauma, loss, or the decision not to pursue treatment at all.
Fertility support isn’t just abenefit—it’s a marker of whether your workplace understands that reproductive health is whole-body, whole-person health.
Too often, fertility support programs are built for one story: a heterosexual couple trying to conceive. But the real stories are broader, more diverse, and more complex. Here's a glimpse:
● Chronic conditions like endometriosis and PCOS affect day-to-day performance and long-term fertility, yet are often misdiagnosed or dismissed in medical and workplace settings.
● LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents by choice may seek proactive fertility support even if they’re not trying toconceive now.
● Oncofertility decisions are urgent and emotional, often happening in the middle of a cancer diagnosis—where timely, compassionate support matters most.
● Reproductive trauma, including miscarriage or failed treatment cycles, impacts mental health and presenteeism.
If your fertility benefit only kicks in once someone is actively doing IVF, you’ve already left a lot of people behind.
Modern fertility support includes:
● Flexible time off for ongoing medical treatment (not just maternity leave)
● Navigation tools, like myStoria, that help employees understand their options early
● Emotional support that acknowledges grief, identity, and life planning
● Inclusive language and policies that reflect all reproductive journeys
When HR teams widen the definition of fertility care, they reduce stigma—and increase retention.
Supporting fertility at work isn’t just about growing families. It’s about acknowledging the deeply personal, often invisible, experiences that affect employees' bodies, minds, and futures.
When you recognize that fertility isn’t one-size-fits-all, you send a powerful message:
We see you. We support you. We’re building a workplace where your whole health matters.
Want to build a fertility-inclusive workplace? Start by listening to your employees, and partnering with platforms built for the whole person. Book your introductory call with myStoria now.
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