IVF and work

[strawberrysummer19]

Hi everyone

Can someone help me talk through my options / advise me etc

I've just started a job and it's a 6 month temp payroll job
It's likely it will end they said it's not a temp to perm it's just an outside contract for some help with their payroll

Anyway...I have an Ivf appointment coming up due to start treatment feb time hopefully
And im wondering what to tell them

I thought dont say anything and just say I have medical apps coming up
But then that may annoy them

So I'm thinking I tell them and be honest ? That way there's no secrecy

I spoke to the clinic and they said there's a fair few appointments and scans etc and some every other day leading up and some will be times they can fit it me in so I won't be able to fit around my hours I'm thinking

I'll risk annoying them by having time off when I'm so new still but also risk annoying them about the ivf

It's not like they will be having to replace me or pay mat leave hence why I'm wondering if I should just be upfront ?

What do you think?

X

Tough one OP, I'd lean towards saying that honestly is the best policy here. Yes, it this is a really personal thing you're about to go through but I don't know if it will help having the stress of worrying about your employer on top of everything else. There will be a lot of appointments, so best be upfront. Also check to see if there is an IVF policy or a medical policy at your new place of work. And when you have the conversation with your manager, go in with solutions such as you'll make up the time or start earlier etc.

Oh, just to add in that conversation with you manager you don't need to apologies or feel guilty for doing IVF. Its just life, people have priorities that are not work. Good luck.

I don't know what your clinic is like, but for the round I've just done I was on short protocol and two of my appointments happened to fall at the weekend. Three of them fell in the week, and I arranged them for first thing in the morning or in one case over lunch, and I took one day of leave for egg collection. I don't know how flexible your clinic or your new work place are, but it isn't always as disruptive as you might think. I did struggle to concentrate on work though, what with all the thoughts churning around.

Hi @strawberrysummer19 I too have the same problem. I’m due to start treatment soon and from previous appts (scans / bloods etc) I’ve managed to fit them around shifts and a couple of times managed to swap shifts with colleagues.

Something the unit told me they can do should I have trouble getting cover / swaps etc as the appointments are very short of notice: ask receptionist at unit to write out appointment card and remove the letter head at the top and could easily pass as a Gynae appt should you choose not to tell your manager about IVF & if the Gynae unit is in the same ward as Assisted Conception Unit?

I have chosen not to tell my manager as the work place has 95% male employees and I’ve asked many a time about HR policies and nobody seems to know. If it was the other way around then it would be different. Not sure if this helps but good luck with your appts x

Thanks everyone and some really good helpful points

I shall definitely ask re weekend appointments though that's a great point

Im leaning to the side of telling them...
At the end of the day it's not a job I'd be at forever and if they think bad of me then there's nothing I can do. But hopefully they will be understanding which would be a bonus

I'll try find out about policies
It's not something I'll tell them about until jan so some time to think about it

X