Fertility in the Workplace Research: Statistics, Knowledge Gaps and Workplace Support
Our latest fertility in the workplace research reveals what people know, where the gaps are, and why it matters.
Fertility awareness in the UK remains surprisingly low, despite fertility problems affecting millions of people. Fertility is often framed as a women’s issue. But the reality is that fertility problems can impact men, women and non-binary people. Yet conversation about fertility in the workplace, and the support available in many workplaces, does not always reflect this.
At M·E·L Research, we believe better evidence can help drive more informed conversations and more supportive environments for people experiencing fertility challenges.
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we partnered with Fertility Network UK on a piece of fertility in the workplace research, to explore public awareness, attitudes and fertility in the workplace support in the UK. Drawing on responses from M·E·L Research’s nationally representative sample of UK adults, the research highlights both significant knowledge gaps and growing public support for better workplace policies.
The findings provide important insights into fertility awareness in the UK, and how society and employers can better support those affected by fertility challenges.
How much does the UK know about fertility problems?
Despite fertility challenges being relatively common, fertility knowledge in the UK remains limited.
Our research found that 61% of people say they know little or nothing about fertility problems. This suggests many people feel they lack reliable information or understanding about fertility and reproductive health.
Awareness also differs significantly between genders. Understanding is lowest among men, with 21% saying they know nothing at all about fertility problems.
These findings highlight how fertility is still often perceived as an issue primarily affecting women, even though fertility challenges can impact people of all genders. Increasing fertility awareness across the population could help create more supportive and informed conversations.
What do fertility statistics reveal about workplace support in the UK?
Fertility challenges can affect people’s professional lives as well as their personal lives.
Medical appointments, treatment cycles and the emotional stress associated with fertility difficulties can make balancing work and treatment particularly challenging. However, many workplaces are still not perceived as supportive.
Our research found that only 37% of people believe most UK workplaces are supportive of employees undergoing fertility treatment, and a further 21% said they felt most UK workplaces were not supportive.
These fertility statistics from the UK highlight a gap between the realities many employees face and the policies currently in place in many organisations.
What workplace policies do people support for fertility treatment?
While workplace support may currently be limited, the research suggests that public attitudes are shifting in favour of more supportive policies.
There is strong backing for practical measures that could help employees manage fertility treatment alongside work responsibilities.
For example:
56% support flexible working arrangements for people undergoing fertility treatment
36% support paid time off for fertility-related medical appointments
These findings suggest there is growing recognition that fertility in the workplace deserves greater attention and support.
Flexible policies could help reduce stress for employees while also supporting organisations to retain skilled staff and create more inclusive working environments.
Why does this fertility in the workplace research matter for employers and wider society?
Improving fertility awareness in the UK is important for several reasons.
Limited understanding can contribute to stigma, isolation and a lack of appropriate support for those experiencing fertility challenges. Increasing awareness can help create environments where people feel more comfortable discussing fertility and accessing support.
Greater awareness can also help:
Reduce stigma around fertility difficulties
Encourage open conversations about reproductive health
Support employees undergoing fertility treatment
Improve workplace wellbeing policies
As conversations around health and wellbeing evolve, fertility is becoming an increasingly important part of discussions about inclusive workplaces.
Ruth Gosling, Associate Director and Women’s Health Research Expert at M·E·L Research said of the report:
“Whilst one in six couples are affected by fertility problems, the topic has historically been surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. Our research points to a positive shift in public attitudes, with growing support for more open discussion, better information, and stronger support for those undergoing fertility treatment. Creating informed, open and supportive environments, both in society and in the workplace, is essential if we are to reduce stigma and ensure that no one faces fertility challenges in isolation. This report aims to contribute to greater awareness and meaningful debate about the future of fertility support in the UK.”
Sharon Martin, CEO of Fertility Network UK said of the research:
“This research is both timely and necessary. The findings highlight encouraging shifts in public attitudes. Most people believe fertility treatment is acceptable. Many support fairer NHS access regardless of relationship status or sexual orientation. There is also clear support for flexible working and paid time off for those undergoing treatment. And yet, significant gaps remain. These insights reinforce what we see every day that openness has improved, but progress is uneven.
Fertility is a health issue. It is a workplace issue. And it is a societal issue. We hope this report sparks meaningful discussion among employers, policymakers and healthcare leaders and, most importantly, drives action. No one should face fertility challenges alone, unsupported, or unheard.”
How can research help improve fertility awareness in the UK?
Research plays an important role in identifying knowledge gaps and shaping public conversations.
This study was developed in partnership with Fertility Network UK, the leading UK charity supporting anyone affected by fertility issues. By combining public opinion research with lived experience and sector expertise, the report contributes valuable insight into how fertility is understood across the UK.
Better data can help inform policy discussions, workplace initiatives and public awareness campaigns aimed at supporting people navigating fertility challenges.
About the research
This fertility awareness research was conducted by M·E·L Research in partnership with Fertility Network UK as part of our omnibus survey exploring public attitudes towards key social and behavioural issues.
The study surveyed a nationally representative sample of UK adults, examining:
Fertility awareness and knowledge levels
Perceptions of workplace support for fertility treatment
Public attitudes towards workplace policies supporting fertility treatment
The findings provide new insights into fertility statistics in the UK and highlight opportunities to improve awareness, workplace support and public understanding.
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