The modern working world presents many people with the dilemma of how to reconcile career goals with the desire to have a family. One innovative solution that has become increasingly important in recent years is social freezing. But what exactly does this term mean, for whom does it make sense and why should employers seriously consider offering this option as a benefit?
What is social freezing?
Social freezing, originally developed for patients who could lose their fertility due to illness or medical treatment, has now developed into a method that healthy people use to make their family planning more flexible. Egg cells are frozen as a precautionary measure to ensure the possibility of pregnancy at a later date. This method offers young women in particular the opportunity to “freeze” their fertility, for example because they do not yet have the right partner to start a family or because they want to focus on their career or other life goals first.
For whom does social freezing make sense?
The motivation behind social freezing is to preserve your own fertility at a younger age. In women, the entire egg reserve that is ever available is already created at birth and is then used up over the course of a woman’s life until the menopause. By the age of 35, the average woman has already used up 95% of her own egg reserve. At a time when the time to start a family is being pushed back further and further, this can lead to a higher probability of infertility. Social freezing can therefore make sense for a large number of people. However, the lack of a male partner is in fact the most common reason for women to consider social freezing. More than 80% of women state that this is the main reason for freezing their eggs. It allows them to postpone their desire to have children until a later date rather than making it dependent on current life circumstances. In addition, social freezing also offers flexibility and security for the future to those who are uncertain about their life plans and are not sure whether they want children at all.
Important aspects of social freezing
Several factors play a role in the decision to use social freezing. Probably the most important aspect is age. The quality and number of eggs decrease with increasing age. This means that, on average, fewer eggs are retrieved through social freezing with increasing age and these are also of poorer quality. If 10 eggs are retrieved during social freezing treatment for a woman in her 30s, these are typically of better quality and therefore more likely to result in a healthy pregnancy than would be the case for a woman in her 40s with the same number of eggs. Ideally, social freezing should therefore be carried out before the age of 35 to ensure the best chances of success.
Another important point is the cost. A treatment cycle costs around 4,000 euros, and at least two cycles are often necessary to obtain a sufficient number of eggs. These financial hurdles can be a challenge for young people who often do not yet have sufficient resources.
The health and emotional aspects should not be overlooked either. Although the procedure is medically safe, it requires hormone treatment for around two weeks and a short operation, which is usually performed under general anesthetic.
The decision to undergo social freezing is a very personal one that should be carefully considered and undertaken after extensive specialist consultation.
Why should employers support social freezing?
Employer support for social freezing can offer multiple benefits and sends a strong signal of caring and understanding for employees’ life plans. Social freezing offers a unique added value that has a direct impact on employees’ personal lives and gives them a long-term perspective that goes beyond traditional benefits. By supporting such measures, companies assume social responsibility and show that they take the individual needs of their employees seriously.
The value of social freezing for employers
For companies, supporting social freezing also brings numerous benefits. At a time when Generation Z places great importance on work-life balance and personal life planning, offering fertility benefits such as social freezing can be a decisive factor in the competition for talent. Studies show that 46% of young professionals consider fertility benefits to be important. In addition, three out of five people in the 25-35 age group are concerned about their fertility. An appropriate offer can specifically reduce fears here and position the company as a modern and employee-oriented employer.
Social freezing is also a powerful tool from an employee retention perspective. Employees who are supported by their employer in such personal areas often show greater loyalty and satisfaction. The feeling of being supported in important life decisions strengthens loyalty to the company in the long term. In addition, early social freezing can avoid more expensive and complicated fertility treatments in later years, which brings financial benefits for both employees and the company.
Clarification of prejudices surrounding social freezing
Despite the numerous benefits, there is always criticism and misunderstandings in connection with social freezing, especially when it is supported by the employer. It is important to clear up these prejudices and take a differentiated look at the topic. Social freezing should not be seen as a panacea for work-life balance, but as a complementary measure within a comprehensive package of family-friendly policies. It is an option that gives employees more freedom and control over their life planning without pressuring them to postpone starting a family.
Another point of criticism is the concern that by offering social freezing, employers could pressure women to postpone their family planning in favor of their career. However, the realities of many women’s lives need to be taken into account here: Many do not have a suitable partner to start a family at the age of 25-35. Social freezing offers them the opportunity to secure their desire to have children regardless of their current relationship status.
How Onuava can provide support
Onuava has made it its mission to provide comprehensive support to companies and their employees in matters of fertility and family planning. Our digital end-to-end platform not only offers comprehensive information material on topics such as social freezing, but also enables employees to receive individual and personal advice from our experts. In addition, we offer presentations and workshops to raise awareness and educate companies and their employees directly on site. Onuava thus provides a holistic solution – from raising awareness within the company to individual advice and cost coverage, we support employees at every stage.