E.ON receives 'Fertility Friendly Employer' accreditation from Fertility Matters at Work

E.ON is dedicated to championing equality, diversity and inclusion and becoming a ‘Fertility Friendly Employer’ acknowledges the progress and success of its efforts in creating a supportive workplace environment for all colleagues.

E.ON has introduced a range of fertility focused policies, including unlimited paid fertility leave for both partners, a training package for managers and a guide to fertility journeys including a support plan. E.ON also launched its newest colleague-led network, Fertility Forum, to support colleagues going through their fertility journey and a key part of the network focuses on peer support through ‘Fertility Friends’.

‘Fertility Friends’ are a network of colleagues that are available to support parents-to-be, and existing parents, alongside their managers when a fertility challenge is present. ‘Fertility Friends’ will provide support in a safe, confidential space and advocate for colleagues throughout their journey.

Pete Ogburn, Insights Manager at E.ON said: ‘The company's fertility policy was invaluable in helping me support a team member going through IVF at home. It gave me the flexibility to provide them with the time and understanding they needed, ensuring they felt supported while maintaining our team's productivity and morale. The policy not only fostered a compassionate workplace but also strengthened our team's resilience and unity.”

Fertility Matters at Work’s assessment of E.ON’s fertility focused policies were recognised as being user friendly and accessible for its colleagues: setting a tone of understanding, inclusivity and support and showing empathy and compassion for all colleagues on their fertility journey.   

Helen Bradbury, Chief People Officer at E.ON, said: “I’m so proud that we have been recognised as a 'Fertility Friendly Employer'. Fostering an environment of support for our colleagues is a fundamental part of our culture at E.ON. Inclusion is an ever-evolving journey, and this accreditation is an important part of how we support all working families, whatever their stage of becoming and being parents.”

Becky Kearns, Co-Founder and CEO Fertility Matters at Work, said: “The support at E.ON is inclusive and easily accessible, with much thought given right from the outset of their activity. From the development of this support being shaped by those with lived experiences within the Fertility Forum, to the introduction of ‘Fertility Friends’ and the buy-in from senior leadership, E.ON have ticked every single box, but in a way that truly enables cultural change through policy, awareness, education and peer support.”

E.ON is a leading UK employer, proud to lead the way through a number of initiatives which aim to not only support its own colleagues and their families, but also drive a wider positive societal impact by inspiring other organisations to create better workplaces across the country.

E.ON’s fertility support is part of a wider package that supports modern family life. From being a carer, building your family, through to paid equal parent leave - of which over 200 dads have used since January 2023.

E.ON has been named as one of the UK’s Top 50 Inclusive Employers for the past seven years, and currently ranked number eight in the list.

To find out more about how E.ON is championing diversity and inclusion, visit eonenergy.com/inclusion.

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