High Achievers and the IVF Juggle: Why Workplace Support Matters

In my work with high-achieving, ambitious individuals, I often see a common thread: they are people used to being in total control of their lives and careers. But when fertility treatment enters the picture, that certainty completely vanishes. 

For a manager, understanding this shift is the key to supporting your best people through one of the most challenging times of their lives.

The Loss of Control

High achievers thrive on clarity and results, yet IVF is a journey where timelines constantly shift and outcomes remain unknown. Emotions can fluctuate by the minute, and for someone used to directing their own path, this lack of control is deeply unsettling.

Many of these employees are also navigating a hidden worry: how family life will fit alongside a demanding career. When you add the physical and emotional toll of treatment to the pressure of deadlines and performance expectations, the result is incredibly draining.

Reframing Workplace Behaviour

As a manager, it’s important to recognise that what might look like distraction or withdrawal in a high performer is often, in reality, someone doing their absolute best to manage a situation they cannot direct.

When we build a widespread culture of understanding around infertility, it allows us to respond with empathy rather than making judgments or assumptions. This shift in perspective is vital for retaining talent; when high achievers feel supported during their "hidden worries," their loyalty to the organisation often grows.

Building a Supportive Culture

A truly supportive workplace culture reassures employees that ambition and vulnerability can coexist. It sends a clear message that asking for flexibility won't derail their career.

Creating this environment often comes down to simple, practical steps:

• Adaptable hours to accommodate last-minute clinical appointments.
• Thoughtful check-ins that show genuine care for their wellbeing.
• Clarity around support and robust fertility policies.
• Open communication that helps people stay engaged with their work while navigating a personal journey.

Training for Empathy and Confidence

The right training gives managers and colleagues the tools to understand what fertility treatment actually feels like. By providing practical guidance on how to offer support, organisations can ensure their people feel supported rather than sidelined.

No one should feel they have to choose between their career and their hope of starting a family. My tailored fertility training sessions help teams build the confidence, empathy, and clarity needed to support staff through infertility, menopause, and miscarriage.

If you’d like to learn more about how to create a fertility-supportive environment in your organisation, get in touch today at [email protected].