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News
Workplace support for fathers beneficial
Tuesday, 08 December 2009
Fathers want to spend more time with their children but work gets in the way, according to research that has triggered a renewed call for partner’s paid parental leave and flexible workplaces.
Two reports released by the Families Commission today provide a snapshot of the views of fathers about a range of issues related to their role as dads. ‘Supporting Kiwi Dads’ surveyed 1721 fathers in early 2009. ‘Heart and Head: An Explanation of the Meaning of Fatherhood’ by University of Canterbury researchers Dr. Jeffrey Gage, Associate Professor Ray Kirk and Professor Andrew Hornblow conducted in-depth interviews with 22 men about becoming a father.
Families Commissioner Gregory Fortuin said the Supporting Kiwi Dad’s report shows that fathers from all backgrounds are satisfied they are doing well in their fathering role. They are generally warmer and more engaged with their children than their own fathers were.
“Overall fathers report that they are doing a great job, spend about 37 hours a week with their children, and are involved in a variety of aspects of their children’s lives, such as homework or changing nappies.”
Most fathers, however, wanted to spend more time with their children.
“Fathers think they could do an even better job if they could spend more time with their children. The main barrier to fathers sending time with their kids is work, which illustrates the need for flexible workplaces.”
Mr Fortuin said the Commission is also calling for four weeks’ paid parental leave for partners. Currently the father/partner is only entitled to two weeks unpaid leave. Mothers can also transfer up to 14 weeks of their own paid parental leave entitlement to the father/partner. However, almost half of the fathers surveyed said that they were not able to take any parental leave.
“We know that the initial bonding phase with a child is crucial for a child’s development. When a strong attachment is made the positive effects are felt throughout the child’s life,” Mr Fortuin said.
Mr Fortuin said giving dads paid parental leave and more flexible work arrangements doesn’t just benefit the father and his child, it also benefits the employer.
“Our research into paid parental leave clearly shows that when workplaces make a real effort to help employees achieve a better work/life balance, productivity goes up, sick leave goes down and employer retention improves.
“Ultimately, facilitating good parenting is also good for the economy. Children with engaged, available parents tend to have better health, education and socialisation outcomes, which in turn reduces the demand for spending in areas such as health, justice and welfare.”
Researcher Dr Jeffery Gage said in the ‘Heart and Head’ study fathers reported forming an immediate connection with their children.
“As the non-birth parent, a father ‘switches on’ to the responsibility and love that comes with the role. Paid parental leave would ensure dads have the time needed to develop that connection and give important support to the mother.”
The range of fathers surveyed in ‘Supporting Kiwi Dads’ illustrates the diversity of fathers in New Zealand today. Included were step-fathers, single fathers, separated dads, teenage parents, foster fathers, and fathers from a range of ethnic and social backgrounds.
