What Should You Tell Your Employer?

It is important to get a handle on exactly how much information you should tell your employer about your infertility. Depending upon the relationship that you have with your employer, you may or may not want to reveal a lot of detailed information. Keep in mind that your infertlity is a personal thing, and your employer has no right to know every detail of your diagnosis or treatment.

However, your boss does have a right to know why you need time off. Here are some tips about what you should reveal:

  • You don't have to tell your boss that you are dealing specifically with infertility.
  • You should tell your boss that you are dealing with a serious medical issue.
  • Be sure to inform your employer that your condition is not life threatening.
  • Reassure your employer that your condition will not interfere with your ability to work.
  • Inform your employer that you may need more flexible working hours in order to arrange special medical treatment.

How Should You Tell Your Employer?

Choose a time when you feel most able to communicate information about your situation. It is probably not a good idea to sit down with your employer immediately after your diagnosis or after a failed pregnancy test. Instead, choose a quiet time when you feel physically and emotionally strong. Also, try to choose a time when your employer isn't worried about ongoing work responsibilities or other issues.

Ask for a quiet meeting with your employer and inform him about all that you feel comfortable telling him. Together, you can then sit down to form a plan of action with regards to your future treatment. Be sure to ask for confidentiality.

Planning Your Time Off

Both you and your employer should take an active role in determining any time off that you will need. Before you talk to your employer, find out from your reproductive endocrinologist exactly how much time off you will be required to take. Once you have this information, you can give your employer a rough estimate of the days you will off for treatment.

You and your employer may also want to work out ways in which you can make up lost time at work, such as working overtime or taking fewer vacation days.

 

Table of Contents
1. Talking with Your Boss
2. What to say to your boss
 
 
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