Dads should not be excluded from the working parent conversation
Fathers are calling for more support so that they can play a more active role in parenting the next generation, according to the 2019 Randstad Return to Work Report.
The research highlights stark concerns from Aussie workers surrounding current parental leave practices, with the majority (7 in 10) believing employers need to do more to support dads after paternity leave.
It found 71% of men said this was important to them, a statistic that’s particularly significant considering males only take up 2% of extended parental leave (more than two weeks off) in Australia.
Nearly two thirds (59%) of those surveyed agreed that achieving a balance between caring for a new child and earning a living is the number one pressure men face post-baby.
A lack of paid leave and/or flexible working arrangements comes in at a close second (55%), and juggling with their newfound work-life balance as they manage new family responsibilities is third on the list.
Kerry McQuillan, General Manager, Diversity & Inclusion for Randstad Australia, said the research comes at an opportune moment, with closing the gender pay gap and improving access to paid parental leave both areas needing urgent attention in Australia.
“More needs to be done to remove the stigma around men asking employers for better flexible working practices, challenging gender stereotypes and supporting fathers through this new work-life balance,” said McQuillan.
“Demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring a positive work-life balance can be a powerful tool in helping align employee goals with corporate ones, so it’s vital that fathers are not excluded from the working parent conversation.
“We have witnessed first-hand the struggles that new fathers face trying to juggle a newborn with their career.”
Taking on board this research, it’s key that companies take steps to address the nation’s concerns. The more men are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s care, the more women in the relationship feel empowered to go further in their careers.
It’s not just good for Dads to be able to bond with their new baby, it also promotes better equality in the workplace.
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“At Randstad, we are proud to offer primary carers 12 weeks paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child, including eight weeks at the time of maternity leave and four weeks upon return. Secondary careers receive one week at full pay and up to eight weeks unpaid.”
The research also revealed that providing new dads with flexible working arrangements, including shorter work weeks, part-time options and the choice to work from home (68%), is the most important factor in ensuring they feel supported transitioning back into work.
McQuillan added that according to an Australian Institute of Family Studies report, the number of hours fathers spend in employment remains at the same level before and after having children, with dads parenting around their hours of employment too.
“We need to normalise the agenda by removing the taboo for men talking about parental support.”
Randstad is urging local businesses to recognise the obstacles that fathers face upon returning to work by enforcing clear policies like flexible working, enhancing paternity leave and pay, and providing a strong support network to allow them to re-enter the workforce smoothly.
