Nearly 76 per cent of employers believe that more workplace support is needed for new fathers, according to new research from digital health platform Peppy.
The study was conducted twenty years after The Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations of 2002, which established shared paternity vacation and initially gave fathers the legal right to take either one or two weeks of uninterrupted parental leave.
Peppy notes that it’s crucial for employers to keep in mind that new fathers can have their own difficulties, including depression and isolation as a result of the new mother’s shifting priorities and their struggles to form bonds with the newborn.
In addition to the emotional challenges of parenthood, fathers may also benefit from support in other, more pragmatic areas. They might wish to learn more about all topics, from newborn eating and sleeping patterns to developmental concerns, as well as how to best support their partner throughout the postnatal period.
Peppy CEO Dr Mridula Pore says: “As a society, the focus for new parents is often still on the mother, and that attitude filters down to the workplace, but we need to redress this balance for the benefit of new fathers everywhere.
“Being a new parent can be one of the best feelings in the world but it’s not without its challenges. Employers who support their staff, including new fathers, at this time and demonstrate their family-centric approach will be rewarded with loyal employees who value the fact that their employer understands they now have an added layer of responsibility.”
Pore adds: “Being a new father is daunting without any additional complications. Where possible, support for new fathers should start early and ahead of the birth to empower them to be confident and knowledgeable – especially if they feel the road ahead may not be a straightforward one.
“Becoming a new parent is a really defined key life-stage moment and one in which employers can make a significant impact by offering fathers the support they both need and deserve.”