One in five PCOS sufferers feel the condition has hindered their career progression
Amidst PCOS Awareness Month, a new study reveals widespread worries that PCOS and infertility struggles are interfering with career progression, growth, and earnings
One in five people feel having PCOS, and the symptoms associated with the condition, has negatively impacted their career progression, growth, and potential earnings; the new PCOS Awareness Survey conducted by Fertility Family has revealed.
Key findings:
- 1 in 5 people believe that having PCOS has negatively impacted their career progression, growth, and potential earnings
- Only 2 per cent of line managers (1 in 50) had been trained on fertility issues
- Fertility challenges were the most impactful symptom (affecting 4 in 5), followed by weight changes
- 1 in 10 people waited over 5 years for treatment, with 7 per cent waiting over 10 years
- The survey found that a large proportion (79 per cent) of respondents felt that fertility challenges were among the most significant symptoms of PCOS. This was followed by weight changes (67 per cent) and irregularity of the menstrual cycle (56 per cent).
1 in 5 respondents felt that having PCOS had hindered their career progression, including the level of growth they had been able to achieve, and their potential earnings.
According to an additional survey conducted by Fertility Family, 1 in 5 employees feared they would miss out on future opportunities if their employer knew about their fertility struggles.
Whilst PCOS impacts up to 10 per cent of women of childbearing age, the survey results found that 1 in 10 people had to wait over 5 years to receive any treatment at all, whilst 7 per cent of respondents waited over 10 years for treatment.
1 in 5 employees also revealed that they would rather call in sick than inform their employer of a fertility appointment. Meanwhile, only 2 per cent of line managers (1 in 50) had been trained on fertility issues and how to address these conversations; highlighting the importance of education in the workplace surrounding the topic.
Kate Palmer, Director of HR Advice and Consultancy at Peninsula, says:
“It can be daunting for an employee to share details of their health, particularly with sensitive conditions like fertility, so it’s important to create a culture of open communication and support. Doing so allows employees to ask for the help they need, which in turn contributes towards increased productivity, satisfaction and retention.
“Introducing mental health first aiders and/or appointing fertility or women’s health champions can be a great starting point for raising awareness about, and showing support for, those experiencing fertility struggles. Such people can be a point of contact for those who may not want to discuss this with a line manager or member of the HR team.
“Employers should also ensure that all senior members of staff are trained on how to discuss health conditions in the most effective and empathetic manner. Managers who are not given adequate support and resources to hold such conversations may unintentionally cause more harm than good, so it’s really important that attention is given to this area.”
The PCOS Awareness Survey can be accessed here.
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