Ahead of Mother’s Day, we published the blog “All Mothers Welcome: How Can Organizations Create a Sustainable Workplace for Moms and Guardians, Through The Lens of DEI.” Although women are still expected to be primary carers, parents and caregivers are people of all genders, including men; promoting DEI means spotlighting the struggles male caregivers face.
In 46% of two-parent families in the U.S., both male and female parents work full time. While progressive employers have started adopting accommodations for working moms, the policies are rarely gender-neutral. Although men overwhelmingly value care work and want to share it with their partners, many are unable to due to a lack of supportive workplace culture and public policies.
At The Orenda Collective, we challenge organizations and individuals to rethink their family policies and adapt workplace culture to meet the needs of all working parents. Here are a few ways we can support working fathers.
Add Changing Tables to Men’s Restrooms!
It’s 2022, and many men’s restrooms still have no changing tables! This leaves male caregivers in a bind if they are alone, reinforcing that mom/female caregivers should be responsible for primary care. A simple and effective way to promote gender equity in the workplace is to make changing tables accessible to all genders.
Parents come in all varieties – biological, adoptive, married, divorced, gay, straight, etc. A changing station should be made available to all parents.
Re-Evaluate Family Leave
Maternity leave is not just for healing; it lays the groundwork for a mom’s future relationship with her child. Regardless of a family’s makeup (mom and dad, two dads, two moms, etc.), empowering more dads with paid parental leave means they can develop better relationships with their children and be supportive, nurturing partners.
Consider offering parental leave on a phase-back basis that gives parents a gentler return transition, such as working half-days for the first few weeks or working from home part-time. Foster a company culture supportive of new parents by offering gender-neutral parental leave, even if not required by Florida law.
Advertise Resources Already in Place
Employees may not realize what programs exist or what they have access to. For example, childcare options, home maintenance, cleaning services, and mental health programs are great for new parents and usually go unmentioned, especially by dads.
Being a resource and advertising resources that can help ease them back into the workforce can be helpful and relieve stress.
Lead by Example
Support working parents by setting an example of a good work/life balance yourself. Be open about family life or parenting struggles to normalize these conversations and keep working dads from feeling alone. Keep in mind that work/life balance may be different for everyone, so seek to understand the specific needs of your employees and extend some grace.
Additional Benefits That May Appeal to Working Fathers:
- Hybrid work positions/Flexible schedule
- Dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Stipends for child care expenses
- Digital forums for parents at your company to chat with each other
- Programs for new parents
- Paid sick leave
Gender equity is not just a moral imperative. Prioritizing family needs can bring tangible benefits to companies. Organizations with flexible work policies are more profitable and diverse and have greater retention and productivity among workers.
Keep in mind that work/life balance may be different for everyone, so seek to understand the specific needs of your employees and extend some grace. You attract more bees with honey, not vinegar!
Show dads some compassion this Father’s Day! The most straightforward way to give support is to keep the lines of communication open. The best way to find out their needs is to reach out to your employees directly! Be empathetic and understanding about the challenges – and stigmas – working fathers face. Ask them what they need and what specific ways you can support them. A diverse, inclusive workforce can make your company more innovative, competitive, and successful. And as a bonus, creating these support systems for dads will help destigmatize the male caregiver role – which helps everyone!
At The Orenda Collective, we challenge organizations and individuals to view their community through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive lens while delivering innovative solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how you can improve your company’s DEI.
