As Movember, the month dedicated to men’s health gets underway, Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing is calling on employers to talk more openly about male infertility and promote inclusive benefits policies.
Around 1 in 7 (or 13 in every 100) heterosexual couples experience fertility issues – of these a third are due to male infertility (4 in every 100).
This issue not only affects an individual’s emotional wellbeing but can also impact workplace productivity, as individuals may require time off for medical appointments and investigations. The workplace often lacks open dialogue and support for male infertility, compounding the problem.
Emma Capper, UK Wellbeing Leader, Howden Employee Benefits and Wellbeing said, “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. ‘’’
This November, Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing is launching its Supporting men’s health in the workplace’ guide, featuring a section dedicated to infertility.
The guide provides insights into the causes and impact of male infertility and offers practical advice to help businesses support their employees effectively. The guide also highlights critical statistics related to men’s health, such as the shorter life expectancy of men in the UK compared to women, their higher likelihood of being overweight, and their increased risk of suicide. These challenges are often exacerbated by men’s reluctance to seek medical help. The guide presents ten actionable strategies to break the stigma surrounding men’s health, covering vital topics like male cancers, mental health, and infertility.
Emma Capper encourages employers to take a proactive approach to support their male workforce, saying, “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.”
To download the guide, click here. For more information, please visit www.howdenbroking.com.
For more information, please visit www.howdengroup.co.uk
