Coinciding with the launch of their Fertility Friendly Workplace Toolkit and draft fertility policy, local charity Tiny Seeds held a free Breakfast Briefing last month sharing specific guidance to island businesses.
To mark the launch of their Fertility Friendly Workplace Toolkit and template Fertility Policy, last week Tiny Seeds presented to a packed audience of interested employers at a breakfast briefing, hosted by BDO.
With 1 in 6 people of working age facing a fertility struggle, the event shared what measures Jersey employers need to put in place to provide appropriate support. Tiny Seeds invited Jersey employers to pledge their support to driving change in the workplace.
Speakers at the event included Becky Kearns, CEO and Co-Founder of Fertility Matters at Work, Melanie Grandfield of High Tide HR Consultancy, Will Austin-Vautier, Ogier and Kate Wright from the Diversity Network.
Chloe Fosse, Governor of Tiny Seeds, commented: “We’ve heard from so many people facing fertility struggles about the difficulties they have experienced when going into work. Including the worry it might have on their career if it is perceived they might soon go on maternity leave soon, or worries surrounding the need to take periods of time off for treatment. However, we were delighted that so many employers attended the Breakfast Briefing and committed their support going forwards. It means they will be better prepared to help members of staff experiencing fertility challenges through using the Toolkit and introducing their
own fertility policies.”
Melanie Grandfield, Founder of High Tide HR Consultancy, who led the creation of the toolkit said: “It has been such a joy and enriching experience to research and develop a fertility policy and toolkit for employers. You cannot underestimate the value of your HR policies and the importance of ensuring that you have policies that support significant life events. HR policies do matter and they can make a difference. Having a stand-alone fertility policy in place, sends a strong message to employees that you have given consideration to those experiencing fertility struggles and that support is in place and available.”
Andrew Welsby, People & Culture Director at Jersey Electricity, added: “Jersey Electricity was delighted to work with Tiny Seeds and support the creation of this toolkit.
“Employers have to make a few simple, practical changes around things like flexibility for appointments and consider the ability to work remotely. Having experienced the challenge of infertility first-hand, my wife and I felt very lucky to have had understanding employers who were flexible with time off and remote working.”
Pictured: Left to right – The Breakfast Briefing Speaker Panel – Chloe Fosse, Governor of Tiny Seeds, Melanie Grandfield, Founder of High Tide HR Consultancy, Kate Wright from the Diversity Network, Becky Kearns, CEO and Co-Founder of Fertility Matters at Work and Will Austin-Vautier, Cousel, Ogier.
