HSBC is introducing free fertility checks as part of an enhanced healthcare plan for UK employees as research revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 couples view workplace fertility support or policies as very important when considering a job.
One in seven couples in the UK have difficulty conceiving, making fertility a key point of difference in attracting and retaining talent.
The fertility checks, which will be available from January 2025, have been unveiled as the bank signed a new three year partnership with Fertility Network UK (FNUK) to offer staff more resources, emotional support, and practical guidance around fertility.
Fertility leave
The employer already offers a range of benefits to support starting a family, including 12 days leave a year for fertility treatment and support around adoption and surrogacy.
HSBC began holding discussions about infertility in 2020, which led to the creation of an employee resource group (ERG) called Journey in 2022. The bank said Journey is one its fastest-growing ERGs.
Under the new partnership, the employer and FNUK will run fertility workshops, webinars, and events as well as offering employees practical tools and advice on managing the emotional and financial aspects of fertility and other parental journeys. The initiative will provide coaching and development for people leaders across the business to help them better support employees with fertility challenges.
The bank also plans to grow its Fertility Ambassador Programme and has ambitions to build membership from 40 to more than 100 ambassadors by 2025.
Bank employees will have direct access to FNUK’s resources, including support groups and educational materials tailored to individual needs and will be able to access experts from leading fertility clinics across the country.
Break the taboo
Rachel Montgomerie, head of HR for HSBC UK, said: “We’ve built a thriving community leading awareness and education about fertility across HSBC UK, underpinned by supportive policies and actions. We deeply value FNUK’s expertise, and together we’re stepping up efforts to break the taboo surrounding fertility and the path to parenthood – creating a more inclusive workplace that attracts top talent into HSBC and helps all our people to be at their very best.”
Sharon Martin, chief executive of FNUK, said: “One in six people worldwide are impacted by fertility challenges, and nearly eight out of ten in the UK say that fertility support or a fertility policy was very important when they were considering a new job or employer.
“Employers can make all the difference to staff facing fertility struggles, and so we’re really pleased to strengthen our long-standing working relationship with HSBC to raise awareness about the challenges associated with fertility and alternative paths to parenthood, helping to reduce stigma and foster understanding across their organisation and beyond.”
Montgomerie added: “From supportive and flexible leave policies to introducing fertility checks as part of our UK employee health benefits package, we’re serious about breaking the taboo surrounding fertility as part of our wider employee wellbeing strategy.”
