Childlessness is still too often overlooked in workplace conversations about inclusion, wellbeing and belonging.
In this World Childless Week webinar, we’ll hear from employers who are taking meaningful steps to better recognise and support the experiences of childless employees. We’ll explore the challenges they’ve encountered, what they’re doing differently, and what they’ve learned along the way. We’ll also look at the opportunities for organisations to create cultures where childless people feel seen, valued and included. Whether you’re already taking action or just beginning the conversation, you’ll leave with practical ideas and inspiration for what your workplace could do next.
DATE: Friday 18th September
TIME: 11.00am BST - Find your timezone HERE
REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR HERE
Please note: Whilst the panellists will be recorded, your camera and audio will be turned off. If you are unable to attend the webinar live, you DO NOT need to register to watch the replay. Just subscribe to the World Childless Week YouTube channel and you’ll be notified when new recordings are added.
PANELLISTS
Helen Gallagher - UK
World Childless Week Ambassador
I am childless by circumstance following years of unexplained infertility and sadly my marriage coming to an end at 40. I was heartbroken,
I couldn’t see a way forward and I was lacking in any hope for the future. Move forward to now and I am literally living my best life.
I am Founder of Happy and Childless which incorporates a blog, podcast and connections app for childless not by choice men and women. In 2021 I gave up my corporate career to focus fully on supporting this community. I am now offering coaching to other childless people with an emphasis on moving forward and creating a fulfilling life with purpose and contentment.
It was connection that changed my life and was the catalyst for me moving forward. I am passionate about helping others find connections and friendships which will facilitate their healing also. We are all different, childlessness does not define us.
Kate Haggan - UK
I’m a woman living with the experience of unplanned childlessness, having not met the right partner until my 40s. I am also a carer for my father who has dementia. I now have a loving partner and a grown up step-daughter.
Growing up and in early adulthood, I always just expected that becoming a mother would be part of my life, but this unexpected reality has re-shaped how I think about family, identity, wellbeing and inclusion.
Through my own experience, I’ve become increasingly aware of how invisible childlessness can be, particularly when it isn’t a choice. In the workplace, we rightly focus on supporting parents and families, but there is often little recognition of the different experiences and future considerations faced by those without children.
I’m passionate about advocating for unplanned childlessness to be acknowledged within workplace wellbeing and inclusion, while also encouraging positive conversations about planning for the future. For me, this means recognising that there is no single blueprint for life, and helping people build fulfilling, connected and supported futures that reflect their own circumstances, relationships and aspirations.
Through our work gender equality network and well being team, I have been able to set up a support group for staff, a safe space to talk and share our experiences and feel seen. This has helped me navigate some of my own grief, and I hope that it continues to have a positive impact for others in the workplace.
Joann Earlington - UK
Joann is an Executive Assistant at EY and has been with the business for over 10 years. She identified an unmet need across EY for colleagues who are childfree or childless and lacked a dedicated space to feel represented, supported and understood.
In 2023, she founded the EY Childfree & Childless Community, which she co-chairs and leads the Steering committee. This was transformative because it created a platform that did not previously exist. She recognised that both involuntarily childless colleagues and those childfree by choice can experience social pressures, assumptions and intrusive questions, and created a safe, inclusive and confidential space for support, connection and awareness. Through her leadership, the community has grown into a global support group offering professionally guided, safe and confidential support, with meetings every six weeks in a relaxed, trusted environment.
Members can share experiences, seek advice and support one another in a way that feels right for them. The primary focus for Jo was to ensure people were heard and did not feel alone.
Sally Procter - UK
Sally has spent 19 years at EY and has played an active role in the Childfree and Childless Community from the outset, supporting the Steering Committee when it was first established and now continuing that commitment as co-chair.
She works collaboratively with colleagues globally to help create a safe, inclusive and respectful space where personal experiences can be shared with sensitivity and care. Through her leadership, Sally promotes psychological safety, empathy and belonging, ensuring conversations around childfree and childless experiences are handled thoughtfully and inclusively. She partners with community leaders, internal networks and communications colleagues to broaden awareness, encourage engagement and strengthen the community’s impact.
Sally is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and helping colleagues feel seen, supported and valued. Her contribution demonstrates sustained commitment to inclusion and allyship, while helping build a meaningful community where colleagues can connect, learn from one another and feel confident bringing their authentic selves to work.
