Navigating fertility treatment while at work
In 2018, I was diagnosed with a reproductive health condition which meant my husband and I would need fertility treatment to start our family. At the time, I was working for a different organisation and found it difficult trying to balance appointments, investigations, consultations and treatment alongside work. I was fortunate to have a supportive manager and the flexibility to work remotely, which helped me navigate a challenging period in my life.
Knowing I would have support both as a new parent, and as someone who would need IVF again, was an important factor in considering my next career move. During conversations with both the HR team and my line manager before joining BAE Systems, I was encouraged to learn about the flexibility available, including compressed hours and policies that support fertility treatment. I was immediately reassured which gave me confidence in my new role that family life and career progression didn't have to be mutually exclusive.
In 2022, my husband and I decided it was time to return to IVF in the hope of growing our family. As I’d been through it before I knew the toll it would take on me physically and mentally, but also the impact it could have on work - I wanted to be transparent with my line manager from the outset. From the beginning she really took the time to listen to me, understand the IVF process, and talk me through the resources and flexibility the firm could provide so I felt supported throughout the journey. Even though the timing of my cycle didn’t quite go to plan and crossed over with a key launch, there was never any judgement around appointments or treatment; instead there was flexibility, empathy and understanding.
I also confided in a trusted colleague, who checked in, listened and simply gave me the space to be honest about what I was going through. I remember one day I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and became very emotional on a call with this colleague, and she told me to go, take some time and reached out to my manager who then gave me the time I needed to reset. During a time when so much felt uncertain and out of my control, knowing I didn't have to carry it alone meant more than I can put into words.
Feeling supported through every stage
This support continued after treatment too, when I was really pleased to discover it had been successful again. I felt supported through my pregnancy, looked after and felt really lucky when my team threw me a work baby shower. When I was on maternity leave, I was able to focus on my family without feeling pressure to rush back before I was ready. And then again when I returned, I felt supported through my keep-in-touch days and return-to-work process. I was given the option for a phased return to help with the adjustment, which I chose not to take, but the option gave me peace of mind should I have needed that extra time.
Even now, with my two boys older, I know I have the flexibility and understanding from my team, and the company, should I need the extra support for sickness, childcare issues or important events like parents evenings, nativities and sports days.
During a time when so much felt uncertain and out of my control, knowing I didn't have to carry it alone meant more than I can put into words.
LisaLisa Sage, Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing Manager, and Reproductive Health & Fertility Group Co-Lead, UK
Giving back through community
It wasn't until I started talking openly about my own experiences that I realised how many people around me had been affected by fertility challenges.
That's one of the reasons I became involved with the Reproductive Health & Fertility Group and why I'm proud to now be one of its co-leads. As part of the Women’s Health Employee Connection Group, it’s an employee led initiative. Therefore being given the time and support to take part in company initiatives outside of the day job has been really appreciated.
The community exists to create awareness, encourage conversations and help people feel less alone. Whether someone is navigating reproductive health challenges, fertility investigations, IVF or alternative routes to parenthood, having a space where experiences can be shared openly can make a real difference.
For me, becoming a co-lead is an opportunity to help create the kind of support network I know can be invaluable during difficult times. I'm proud to be part of a community that encourages people to talk openly, seek support when they need it and know that they're not facing these challenges alone.
This is my BAE Systems story. Find yours and apply now.
Our colleagues share their personal stories on what drives them and why they chose BAE Systems.