If you know or talk with someone who has been through Invitro Fertilisation or IVF, you will begin to understand that it is a complex process that appears to impact on many facets of the individual's life including, emotions, health, finances, time, relationships, family, work and career.

In an effort to understand more about how to manage IVF and work, FamilyBiz spoke to a variety of people including, those who had recently been through the experience and others who had been involved in managing or assisting employees at work during the process. What emerged from the discussions were some ideas and suggestions that both employees and managers might like to consider should they be faced with the situation of managing IVF and work.

The Employees Perspective

Things you might like to consider when managing IVF and work include:

1. Understand the IVF process and consider the ways that it may impact on your work performance on a daily basis. Things to consider include the impacts the process may have on your role/duties, responsibilities, work hours and travel commitments. For more information, please speak with your IVF clinic or doctor.

2. Consider the possible impacts that the process may have on your overall physical and emotional wellbeing. For example, during the process some people may feel more “emotional' or physically tired than usual. For more information, please speak with your IVF clinic or doctor.

3. Find ways to cope or manage the possible physical / mental impacts of the process. For example, is it possible to negotiate flexible or alternate work arrangements for a period of time that meet both the needs of the business and you? E.g. working from home, negotiating flexible start/finish times. In consultation with your IVF clinic and doctor also consider individual ways to manage stress during this time.

4. If required, consider the financial aspects of the process- The costs of the IVF process will vary and will depend on your individual circumstances. You might like to consider the short and long term costs of the process factoring in such things as unpaid leave, absences from work etc. For more information, please speak with your IVF clinic or doctor.

5. If necessary, consider talking with or seeking the advice of a professional counsellor- Your IVF Clinic may be able to assist with the services of a counsellor. Alternatively if your organisation has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) you or other immediate family members might like to consider confidentially using the service during this time.

6. Consider how you will manage all leave and absences during the process. Plan ahead and consider solution focussed outcomes. The IVF process will require you to be absent for some or part of your usual working day/week, in some cases over many months. The way you manage your absences will depend on many variables including, the needs of the business, your individual employment contract, your organisations employment /human resource policies & procedures, leave entitlements, award, enterprise agreement, acts etc. It is important to consider that changes to the way you work may impact on the terms and conditions of your employment contract, including salary, leave entitlements etc. Consider confirming any negotiations or changes to the way that you work in writing in order to ensure that you and your manager's expectations are clearly understood and met.

7. If possible, consider accruing, utilising and applying for appropriate leave or entitlements to help you manage during this time. For more information, please refer to your employment contract, your organisations employment /human resource policies & procedures, your relevant State or Federal industrial agreement/award/acts, or if comfortable confidently speak with your Manager or Human Resource representative.

8. If possible, consider confidently speaking with someone that you trust about ways to manage your work/life during the process. If you feel comfortable, consider speaking with your Manager or a representative from Human Resources.

9. If possible and you feel comfortable, consider confiding in a work friend/ colleague whom you can trust and talk to during the process.

10. Manage your time wisely - The process will require you to take time out (some at short notice) of your day or week so it is important that you consider how you will continue to meet work deadlines and commitments. If possible consider the timing and planning of medical appointments and try to minimise unplanned absences. If possible, consider arranging hospital visits towards the end of your working week to enable you to have additional rest days on weekends or rostered days off. If possible, consider liaising with your Manager or keep he/she informed of any absences. If you are required to provide a medical certificate, please speak with your IVF clinic and doctor.

11. Continue to consider and meet the needs of the business, team and your career- During this time it is also important to consider the impacts of your work performance on your team, customers and your future career. Other career aspects to consider include the suitability of seeking promotional opportunities, new roles or changing organisations or careers at this time. In order to maintain your work performance, consider speaking with your Manager or Human Resource representative if you do experiences any difficulties combining work and IVF as soon as possible.

12. Consider your partner or other family members- The IVF process can also be a challenging, emotional and rewarding experience for partners/family members. The process may also require partners to take unplanned time off to attend medical appointments or hospital visits. It is important during this time that you also consider those that are important to you, take the time to talk, seek the support of others (e.g. counsellor or EAP) and find ways to relax and manage stress during this time.

13. Go with the flow- The process may take more than one attempt or continue over many months before successful so it is important to go with the flow. While combining work and IVF may be challenging at different times, the positive side to this may be that continuing to work may be a way of taking your mind off the process. Overall it is important for you to consider both the short and long term impacts that the process may have on your career, personal life, health and wellbeing.

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