Working Dads Call for Equal Flexibility at Work as Mothers Enjoy More Benefits
Recent findings reveal that a significant number of working fathers in the UK feel disadvantaged when it comes to flexible work arrangements compared to their female counterparts. According to a poll commissioned by Working Families, 44% of the surveyed fathers believe that mothers are granted more flexibility for childcare responsibilities.
Key Findings from the Research
The survey, which involved 5,000 fathers, was conducted between September 12 and September 23, 2025. Here are some critical insights from the study:
- 74% of fathers expressed a desire for equal parenting roles.
- 35% of fathers did not take as much paternity leave as they preferred.
- 6% of dads took no paternity leave at all.
These statistics point to a cultural stigma associated with men taking time off for family duties. Many fathers fear negative repercussions when requesting flexible work options.
The Call for Equal Flexibility
Nikki Lees, People Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing at QBE Europe, emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize understanding employees’ needs. She stated that promoting equal parental leave can help reduce stigma around men taking on caregiving roles.
Lees noted that following the implementation of QBE’s equal parental leave policy in 2023, which offers up to 52 weeks of leave with 26 weeks at full pay, there has been a substantial increase in fathers taking time off. This change has led many fathers to take more than five months of leave, normalizing shared parenting.
The Role of Corporate Policies
George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, highlighted the importance of effective communication about existing benefits. He pointed out that only 2% of fathers utilized shared parental leave since it was introduced a decade ago. Gabriel believes that with more employers offering enhanced paternity leave and flexible work options, fathers will begin to engage more with parental responsibilities.
Moving Toward Gender Equality in Parenting
Jeremy Davies, deputy CEO of the Fatherhood Institute, stressed the importance of reshaping HR policies to support fathers. He argued that traditional models focus predominantly on mothers, often placing undue caregiving responsibilities on them, which may also lead to career setbacks.
To achieve a gender-equal environment for children, it is crucial for employers to recognize that fathers require better and longer parental leave. Explicit encouragement to use flexible working arrangements can further enhance this support.
Conclusion
As working dads increasingly call for equal flexibility at work, organizations must adapt their policies to benefit all employees. By championing shared parental leave and promoting a culture of flexibility, businesses can support fathers, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately benefit the entire workforce.
