WANT to make the daddy of all changes at work? Then push for a better deal for dads this Father’s Day.
A huge 93 per cent of dads with dependent kids work, compared to 75 per cent of mums — but only two thirds of companies offer paternity pay packages for fathers.
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A study by Workingdads.co.uk found fathers are facing many of the same issues as working mums but often with less understanding from bosses and co-workers.
Two in five working dads who applied for flexible working had their requests turned down, while 20 per cent with flexible arrangements felt discriminated against by their managers and co-workers.
One in ten has even quit their job to find a more family-friendly role.
Kishan Jogia is a working dad and a Home Services Trainer for John Lewis.
Kishan, 42, from Leicester, said: “As a working dad, John Lewis has been very supportive to me as my needs have changed over the years.
“I’ve recently returned from Equal Parenthood Leave. I had six-months off, fully paid. On my return my hours were phased so I did 80 per cent of my hours for 100 per cent of my pay. I’ve had the full support of my manager, which means so much”
Andrew Murphy, Chief Operating Officer at John Lewis Partnership, said: “Equality, fairness and happiness are founding principles of the John Lewis Partnership
“We want to become the UK’s most inclusive business so we advertise all job vacancies with a flexible working option, unless there is a good reason why that’s not possible.”
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To help dads find a better work-life balance, two award schemes are highlighting the top firms for fathers to choose.
The Working Dads and Working Mums Top Employer Awards highlight understanding employers who fit work around family life
Founder Gillian Nissim says: “These employers show they have gone the extra mile to put people at the centre of their business model.”
Meanwhile. Birmingham Business School’s Equal Parenting Project and Music Football Fatherhood have developed the Working Dads Employers Awards to promote workplace gender equality.
Elliott Rae, from Music Football Fatherhood, said “More dads want a more active and present role in family life.”
Be flexi to KEEP parents
SEVEN in ten dads say they would change job if they found a more flexible role, so how can you keep the parents already in your workforce, or attract more?
Broadcast Data Strategist Pete Bassett, father to a two-year-old son, explains how to get working #dadlife right.
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- Recognise what parents bring to the firm. Becoming a parent increases your skillset, including time management, adapting to huge change and crisis management, to name just a few. I know trying to get my son to put his shoes on feels like I am learning brand new negotiation skills.
- Offer parental and paternity leave of a decent length and incentivise fathers to take it. The first few weeks of a child’s life are crucial. A father who is sure his family is happy will be more focused and productive.
- Encourage senior members of staff who are fathers to lead by example. Having a leadership role where men are more open about fatherhood demonstrates to their team they should feel free to do the same.
- Grant flexible work arrangements to fathers. Pick up and drop off stress around childcare and school is huge but can be reduced if dads know they can work extra hours elsewhere to balance it all out.
- Create spaces where men as fathers and caregivers can discuss issues. A simple working group can be incredibly helpful as it gives fathers a focal point to turn to.
Jobspot
CAR dealership SYTNER has 67 roles ranging from sales executive to vehicle technician. Apply at careers.sytner.co.uk.
Sharing is caring
SHARED parental leave was introduced in 2015 in an attempt to transform gender equality – but current figures show fewer than eight per cent of couples take it.
However, at Aviva, 80 per cent of dads take at least five months paternity leave, making it one of the UK’s most equal firms.
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Danny Harmer, Aviva’s Chief People Officer, said: “Men taking parental leave have a better understanding of the choices female colleagues have to make balancing parenting with their career.
“It has also inspired our dads at Aviva to change the way they think about caring responsibilities.”
You can search for Aviva jobs at careers.aviva.co.uk/apply/.
Jobspot
SKY has 766 roles nationwide including customer service, project manager and automation testers. Search at careers.sky.com.
Man’s best workmate
DAD and dog inseparable? Then man’s best friend can enjoy a day at work.
Next Friday, June 24, is national Bring Your Dog To Work Day – which raises money for animal welfare charities.
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With 3.2million pets bought during lockdown, a third of all businesses now have a pet policy in place, with many welcoming pooches into the office.
Owners are being asked to upload a ‘pooch selfie’ on social media using the hashtag @BringYourDogToWorkDay #BringYourDogToWorkDay.
A spokesman said: “As well as raising funds for a great cause, Bring Your Dog To Work Day will give a boost of happiness to your employees as they get to work alongside their best friends for the day.”
