APINDO and IBCWE pledge to support childcare to boost productivity and achieve SDGs
October 31, 2024
Parenthood is new to my husband and me. In our first year and a half as parents, we’ve faced many dilemmas and compromises in integrating family and household responsibilities, which also affect our work lives. For new moms like me, experiencing the “motherhood penalty” is common. This happens because of biases that assume mothers will be less dedicated to their jobs due to parenting duties. But what about new fathers? Can they experience a “fatherhood penalty” too?
Interestingly, while mothers often face assumptions that limit professional growth, fathers can encounter a different set of biases that also restrict their choices. Working fathers may face bias as well, leading to fewer career advancement opportunities—especially for those who prioritize family over work. Fathers are often expected to be breadwinners, so when they prioritize time for family, they may be viewed as less committed to work. However, fathers also benefit from a “fatherhood bonus”, where they are perceived as more dedicated or competent after becoming fathers. But is it really a bonus if fathers are seen as committed at work but aren’t truly involved at home?
The penalties for both mothers and fathers reflect the challenges parents face in integrating work and family. However, the impact can differ between genders due to societal expectations. As financial demands increasingly require both parents to work full-time, the traditional roles of caregiving have begun to blur, with more fathers stepping into active caregiving roles alongside mothers.
Given this shift, employers who are responsible for engaging with working parents within their company have a unique opportunity to respond. Employers need to reassess facilities and benefits by adapting support systems for all working parents. While many companies focus on assisting working mothers, it’s equally important to recognize and address the needs of working fathers who are now balancing similar demands. Here are a few strategies employers can consider supporting both parents, especially working fathers, in the evolving workplace landscape:
- Flexible Working Arrangements: This is a straightforward way for companies to support working parents. Don’t assume only mothers are caregivers; find out which working fathers are, too, and offer benefits that meet their needs. Encourage fathers to use these options and track how often they do.
- Inclusive and Supportive Workplace Culture: Societal expectations often label men as breadwinners rather than caregivers, which can discourage them from taking flexible work. Fathers worry about not being seen as competent in their jobs. Promote the idea that flexibility is for fathers too, ensuring a culture that values fathers’ caregiving roles.
- Role Modeling by Leaders: Leaders who prioritize flexible working can inspire others to see work-life integration as valuable. When leaders model flexibility, it helps others feel comfortable doing the same.
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Grouping working parents, including fathers, can provide support and foster a sense of belonging. ERGs can be a place for parents to share work-life challenges and solutions, which can boost retention and satisfaction.
- Feedback and Monitoring: Once flexible options are available, monitor how working fathers use them. If uptake is low, seek feedback to understand why and improve the policies accordingly.
Employers don’t have to implement all these actions at once. The key is to first understand the needs of working fathers. As more people recognize the dual roles of working fathers, we can work toward a brighter future for the next generation.
Written by Program Officer, Esther Yobelitha
Reference:
How Can Employers Better Support Working Dads? Forbes (2024). https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2024/07/30/how-can-employers-better-support-working-dads/
The Daddy Dilemma, Why Fatherhood Is Still A Penalty For Men’s Careers. Forbes (2023). https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaheenajanjuhajivrajeurope/2023/05/16/the-daddy-dilemma-why-fatherhood-is-still-a-penalty-for-mens-careers/
What Working Dads Can Do When a High-Pressure Job Asks Too Much. Harvard Business Review (2021). https://hbr.org/2021/04/what-working-dads-can-do-when-a-high-pressure-job-asks-too-much
