The Importance of Supporting Fathers in the Workplace
96% of women turn to their partners as their first source of support after having a baby. Unfortunately, in Australia there is a significant lack of resources for these new and expecting fathers. If these partners are not supported themselves, how can they in turn provide the support their families need?
At Dads Group, we aim to address this significant lack of support for dads, in order to also address the needs of their families and communities.
Fatherhood is a critical role often overlooked in workplace policy. Research shows us that fathers play an essential role in child development, and provide support to fathers can positively impact children, families, and society. Today we will explore the benefits of father involvement, why and how to support them in the workplace, and how programs like Dads Group can help through a range of different up-skilling and training programs.
Why Support Fathers?
Research has shown that father involvement has numerous benefits for children, families, and society. Here are some of the key benefits:
Positive Child Outcomes: Children who have involved fathers have been shown to have better academic achievement, fewer behavioural problems, and higher levels of social competence.
Positive Father Outcomes: Fathers involved in their children's lives report higher levels of satisfaction with their parenting and their relationship with their children.
Positive Family Outcomes: Families with involved fathers have been shown to have lower levels of conflict and higher levels of family cohesion.
Positive Societal Outcomes: Involved fathers have been shown to be more likely to be employed, have higher levels of income, and contribute to their communities in positive ways.
How to Support Fathers?
Despite the benefits of father involvement, fathers have traditionally been overlooked in parenting and child development research and policy discussions. By providing resources and opportunities for fathers to participate in parenting and child development, we can promote family well-being and support fathers in their important role.
There are several ways in which we can support fathers and promote their involvement in their children's lives. Here are some examples:
Parental Leave: Policies that provide parental leave for fathers can encourage fathers to take an active role in their children's lives from the beginning.
Flexibility at Work: Providing flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours or remote work options, can allow fathers to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively.
Fatherhood Programs: Programs that provide education and support can help fathers develop their parenting skills and build stronger relationships with their children.
Pathways to Support: Offering avenues for fathers to connect with other fathers and access support resources, such as Dad Groups or parenting support organisations, can provide extra support and resources for fathers.
We cannot overemphasise the importance of supporting fathers in promoting family well-being and child development. Fathers are an integral part of the family unit, and their involvement has far-reaching benefits. As families, communities, and workplaces, we must take practical steps today to support fathers in their essential role. It is time to recognise the role of fathers in parenting and child development research and policy discussions.
By providing resources and opportunities for fathers to participate in parenting and child development, we can better support children, families and communities.
What steps can you take today to further support the fathers in your life?
How can you find out more?
Dads Group programs help employers support new parents as they transition into becoming Mums and Dads. We are experts at supporting fathers and work with organisations to co-design an approach that meets their needs, no matter what the size or industry.
We offer three levels of engagement:
Consulting, Training, Events & Programs.
