Bank becomes island’s first ‘Fertility Friendly Workplace’

HSBC Channel Islands has become the first organisation in Jersey to be recognised as a ‘Fertility Friendly Workplace’.

The bank received the certification from fertility support and awareness charity Tiny Seeds, who launched the initiative to support employers that are creating “inclusive, compassionate and informed workplaces” for individuals experiencing fertility challenges. 

As part of its commitment, HSBC CIIOM’s fertility policy offers five days’ paid leave per IVF cycle – for up to three IVF cycles per year – to employees undergoing treatment. The bank also provides a £400 travel grant to support colleagues who need to travel for fertility care. 

“We are thrilled to welcome HSBC CIIOM as our official launch partner at Tiny Seeds, who have set a powerful example by following and implementing our Fertility Friendly Workplace toolkit, which consists of 10 key considerations, including the introduction of a dedicated Fertility Policy,” said Chloe Fosse, Governor and Founder of Tiny Seeds. 

“Additionally, HSBC CIIOM has also implemented further benefits for their employees – demonstrating what true workplace support can look like. We are also grateful for their generous funding of £20,000, in support of our charitable work and fertility travel costs for people in the community.” 

The process to achieve the certification involves creating a fertility policy, consideration of the Fertility Friendly Workplace ten-step process and inviting Tiny Seeds to deliver fertility in the workplace training to managers or employees. 

Organisations are also encouraged to “treat infertility and treatment with the same level of seriousness, care and support as other physical and mental health conditions and diseases” and include fertility support in their long-term wellbeing and diversity and inclusion strategies. 

Elvina Aghajanyan, Head of People for HSBC CIIOM said: “We are committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where fertility challenges are met with openness, empathy and understanding. This certification demonstrates our ongoing efforts to ensure meaningful support is in place for those who need it.” 

“This is the kind of leadership we hope to see more and more of across the island,” added Ms Fosse. 

“Since the launch of the Fertility Friendly Workplace Toolkit, Tiny Seeds has been delighted to see many local workplaces working hard to improve their provision for fertility support and we now invite these workplaces to make it official and receive certification for their efforts.”