Carrot Fertility has released a new report examining the effects of fertility and family forming in the workplace. The report, Fertility at Work, was developed in collaboration with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and surveyed over 1,000 respondents about the role of fertility and family forming in workforces, as well as the need for support as employees navigate the complex and emotional journey of family forming.
Infertility is common. One in eight couples experience infertility in the U.S., outpacing diseases like diabetes and cancer. 50 million couples worldwide experience infertility. Infertility affects our mental health, prevents us from bringing our best selves to work, influences our career decisions — and can even send us into financial debt. Most insurance companies don’t cover fertility treatments, and if they do, an infertility diagnosis is required, excluding LGBTQ+ people, single intending parents, and more. For those who experience infertility or the challenges of family forming of any kind, the silence can preclude them from seeking the support they need from their employers. And with one third of our lives spent at work and the majority of Americans receiving health insurance through their employer, it makes sense that the workplace plays an important part of a support system.
We partnered with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to survey people on how they feel about fertility topics at work, learn what programs are currently in place, and gain a better understanding of how people can be supported in their fertility and family-forming journeys. Our aim with this report is to use data and stories to shine a light on the importance of supporting employees in their fertility and family-forming journeys at work and normalize conversions about this vital part of human healthcare.
