In Australia, about 285 pregnancies end in loss daily, impacting up to 150,000 couples each year. With 1 in 6 people also facing fertility struggles, the need for empathetic workplace support is critical. Studies show that 74% of women who experience miscarriage feel unsupported, often resulting in heightened distress, increased absenteeism, and mental health challenges.
Pink Elephants provides evidence-based resources, peer support, and specialist guidance for anyone affected by early pregnancy loss. Founded in Sydney in 2016, this not-for-profit aims to challenge outdated perceptions, reduce stigma, and promote a healthier, more informed experience for all.
Pink Elephants has worked to amend Australia’s Fair Work Act to include miscarriage under compassionate leave. As advocates for policy change, they are committed to making workplaces truly inclusive and supportive environments—enabling companies to lead as employers of choice.
Service offering
The Pink Elephants Workplace Support Program equips workplaces with the resources and knowledge to support employees experiencing pregnancy loss or fertility challenges. Many organisations lack policies for compassionate leave, structured emotional support, and training for people leaders, leaving employees to manage grief alone. It includes:
● tailored content for people leaders and colleagues
● peer support companion training
● dedicated resources for women and their partners
● webinars, panel discussions
● sessions for people leaders
● employee engagement initiatives
Employers gain access to latest research on pregnancy loss and in the workplace, helping organisations foster safe, empathetic environments that empower employees to return to work ready and supported.
“We recognize that becoming a parent is a significant milestone and our commitment to being a family-friendly employer enables our people to thrive and integrate career and family through our inclusive policies, practices, and culture. “The wellbeing of our people is our priority, and with 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in miscarriage, we are proud to partner with Pink Elephants to provide the support, tools and resources for our people and their partners during this difficult time of loss and grieving”.
QBE Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing Catherine McNair
The 2024 State of Early Pregnancy Loss & Fertility Support in the Workplace Report provides a comprehensive view of the key insights and learnings from the Pink Elephants Support Network 2023 Workplace Roundtable, and the steps employers can take to create their own workplace support programs. You can download the report here.
“HR leaders play a crucial role in understanding what resources are available and communicating those with their workforce, as well as training people leaders in how to have the right conversations and offer support.”
Jess Bell Human Resources Director AU
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Creating family-friendly workplaces for all
Our preferred partners are carefully selected to provide our clients and members with access to leading experts and service providers in the areas of career, parenting/carer and wellbeing. This enables organisations to have one point of contact through Parents At Work, while remaining at the forefront on leading practice solutions across all aspects concerning working families.
Parents At Work acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
