How to support a colleague emotionally with Julianne Boutaleb

The F Word at Work

Welcome back to our penultimate episode in this series of The F Word at Work. As we continue our mission to make workplaces fertility-friendly we’re bringing you another essential conversation in our 'How to support' series.

So far, our aim has been to give you insights as an HR professional or manager, to feel more confident in supporting a colleague. This episode is slightly different as it's also for you - if you personally are going through this and struggling to get your head around the emotional rollercoaster that comes with family-building challenges.

In this episode, we are joined by Julianne Boutaleb, our Psychological Advisor at FMAW and Julianne is also the founder of Parenthood in Mind. Julianne brings her expertise in reproductive psychology to discuss the emotional impact of fertility struggles in the workplace and how employers can create a supportive environment. Julianne has spoken on the podcast before and we refer to the episodes in the podcast. You can listen to our chat on 'How to deal with the fears we have about becoming parents' here and also 'How infertility impacts your mental health at work' here

Here’s what we cover in our conversation:

The emotional toll of fertility treatments and why support in the workplace is crucial.

The impact of the festive season on those struggling with fertility, including difficult conversations and family gatherings.

How to prepare for the new year without falling into the pressure of new year, new you resolutions.

Practical ways to take stock of existing support systems and create new ones, whether through workplace ERGs, external support groups, or personal networks.

The importance of setting intentions rather than resolutions—focusing on self-care compassion, and seeking the right support.

Addressing the strain on relationships when navigating fertility challenges and why seeking support outside of your partnership can be beneficial.

The often-overlooked struggles of secondary infertility and the grief of not being able to expand a family as planned.

How managers and HR professionals can better support employees facing fertility challenges, from policy inclusion to fostering open conversations.

The importance of recognizing invisible grief in the workplace and ensuring that employees who are childless not by choice feel seen and supported.

Key Takeaways:

Support is not one-size-fits-all.

Every individual’s fertility journey is unique, and workplaces must adopt a nuanced approach to support.

Validation and understanding matter.

A simple acknowledgment of someone’s struggles can make a huge difference.

Colleagues and managers play a vital role.

Whether it’s offering a listening ear, directing employees to suppor resources, or implementing fertility-friendly policies, everyone can contribute to a more inclusive work environment.

Thank you to Julianne for sharing her expertise with us. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with your colleagues and encourage your workplace to take proactive steps in supporting those going through family-building challenges.

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