Overview

What if a significant proportion of your workforce were navigating grief, stigma, or exclusion at work, but felt unable to talk about it?

Childlessness is far more common than many organisations realise. In the UK, one in five women and one in four men do not have children, and research suggests that most are childless not by choice. Yet the topic remains largely invisible at work. For many individuals, childlessness can involve complex emotional experiences including grief, shame and mental health challenges. These experiences inevitably influence wellbeing, engagement and performance in the workplace.

Many employees feel unable to disclose their situation due to stigma or fear of insensitive responses. At the same time, workplace cultures and policies can unintentionally prioritise parenthood, leaving childless colleagues feeling overlooked or excluded. Organisations that fail to recognise this issue risk increased disengagement, presenteeism and loss of talent. This course helps organisations understand why childlessness matters as an emerging EDI issue, equipping participants with the awareness and confidence to respond sensitively and contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture.

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Recognise the prevalence of childlessness and why it is an important workplace inclusion issue
  • Understand the emotional and psychological impact childlessness can have on employees
  • Respond appropriately and sensitively when colleagues disclose experiences related to childlessness
  • Identify everyday workplace practices or assumptions that may unintentionally exclude or trigger childless employees

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 0947 344

Agenda

  • Registration and Welcome

    • Introductions and housekeeping
    • Course objectives and agenda overview
    • Establishing a respectful learning environment
  • Session 1: Understanding Childlessness at Work
    • Definitions and terminology
    • Prevalence and key trends
    • Causes and reasons for childlessness
    • Psychological implications and workplace impact
  • Break

  • Session 2: Communication Skills – Responding to Disclosure

    • What to say when a colleague discloses
    • What not to say and common insensitive responses
    • Active listening and empathy
    • Everyday conversations that may be triggering
  • Break

  • Session 3: Supporting Colleagues in Practice

    • Identifying pro-natal workplace assumptions
    • Practical ways organisations can offer support
    • Reviewing policies, resources and support mechanisms
    • Applying learning to your own workplace

  • Q&A and Close

    • Key takeaways and summary
    • Questions and discussion
    • Close at 13:00
Speakers
Katy Schnitzler

Katy Schnitzler provides bespoke training, policy writing and support for organisations on the topics of pregnancy loss, infertility and childlessness. Her training and consultancy is academically-informed by Katy’s PhD research. Katy has worked with various organisations to improve practice in these prevalent and significant, yet often overlooked areas – including global energy companies, universities and The NHS. Katy is also an academic and specialises in Psychology, Research and Business. She has taught in Further and Higher Education for over 12 years, winning awards for her teaching.

Pricing
  • Online Fee: £290+VAT