A network of female general counsel has issued guidance urging organizations to expand workplace accommodations for employees navigating fertility treatments. The Eagle Club developed recommendations through input from 18 legal leaders with personal or indirect experience of the demanding physical and emotional aspects of assisted reproduction procedures.
The framework advises companies to implement gender-neutral policies covering both individuals undergoing treatment and their partners, who experience parallel emotional challenges. Suggested accommodations include dedicated appointment leave separate from sick time, flexible scheduling to manage medical visits, optional camera-off participation in virtual meetings, restricted travel requirements, and confidential handling of treatment-related absences. Organizations should also recognize potential performance fluctuations without requiring explanations and consider phased workplace reintegration.
Network founder Lesley Wan emphasized that the document provides actionable steps for human resources departments to assist staff members while respecting privacy preferences around discussing treatment progress.
The framework advises companies to implement gender-neutral policies covering both individuals undergoing treatment and their partners, who experience parallel emotional challenges. Suggested accommodations include dedicated appointment leave separate from sick time, flexible scheduling to manage medical visits, optional camera-off participation in virtual meetings, restricted travel requirements, and confidential handling of treatment-related absences. Organizations should also recognize potential performance fluctuations without requiring explanations and consider phased workplace reintegration.
Network founder Lesley Wan emphasized that the document provides actionable steps for human resources departments to assist staff members while respecting privacy preferences around discussing treatment progress.
