At Foot Anstey, we believe that supporting our people’s health and wellbeing is fundamental to creating a positive and inclusive workplace. Reproductive health, including fertility, is a key part of that.
This National Fertility Awareness Week, we reflect on how access to Fertifa has supported our people since we launched the benefit in October 2023. Fertifa is a leading hormonal-based health benefit which gives access to best-in-class treatment regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or income. From fertility to menopause and men’s health challenges it helps us support our people's health and wellbeing.
Since launch 20% of our employees have accessed the benefit, with 127 claims made for gender-based health services. It's really positive to see so many colleagues benefiting.
In addition to Fertifa, as part of our commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide paid leave for all employees for IVF or other fertility treatment.
Why is support so important?
We recognise that journeys can be deeply personal and, at times, challenging – both emotionally and financially. By offering hormonal-based health support, and contributing up to £15,000 towards clinical treatment, we aim to remove some of the barriers our people may face when accessing care. We believe it's essential that everyone feels supported at every life stage, and that no one has to navigate these moments alone.
Kerri O'Driscoll, Head of Reward and People Delivery explains: "Gender-based health support is an area that many face challenges accessing. From menopause to prostate and reproductive health, accessing care can be an incredibly personal and emotional journey, and it’s important that we have the right support in place for our people. Fertifa is a key part of that, and we’re proud to continue investing in benefits that meet our colleagues where they are, whatever stage of life they’re in."
How has Fertifa helped?
Having Fertifa as part of our wider family-forming benefits package has enabled employees to access support, treatment and funding that would have been otherwise unavailable to them. Three of our people share how the benefit has supported them:
"My experience has been fantastic. Fertifa's specialist was very friendly, well-informed and thoroughly went through my extensive history and symptoms before coming up with a plan for treatment. I really couldn’t be happier with the service they’ve provided. This benefit has really taken the pressure off"
“I always knew starting a family would mean using fertility treatment as part of a same-sex couple, but I didn't quite realise how complex, emotional and expensive the process would be. Having access to Fertifa has made such a difference - it’s taken away so much of the stress and made our journey to becoming parents feel genuinely supported. I'm extremely grateful for the support on our journey so far, and I'm excited to see where it goes"
“I was considering freezing my eggs for a while, but the cost was putting me off. When I heard it was something that would be included in the firm's Fertifa benefit it meant it was now a possibility for me. It makes reproductive healthcare that is financially unattainable to many, an option.”
In addition, over two-thirds of those who have downloaded the benefit app have had an appointment with a clinician and 10% of those accessing the education hub are accessing men's health support resources.
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