Working Fathers Want More Time with Family

Retaining fathers
More than 20 years ago, the movie 'Mr. Mom' poked fun at a father taking on the role of primary caretaker of his children. Today, for many working fathers, it is no joke. More and more working fathers would gladly trade management training for a day coloring outside the lines with their children.  

In fact, CareerBuilder.com's recent survey showed that 38 percent of working fathers polled would take a pay cut to spend more time with their kids. About one in four fathers feel that work has had a negative effect on their relationship with their children, with 48 percent saying they have missed an important event in their child's life due to work at least once in the last year. Eighteen percent have missed four or more events.  

It's no wonder working fathers are missing time with their children. Twenty-seven percent of respondents say they spend more than 50 hours a week on work. Eight percent spend more than 60 hours. Consequently, 25 percent spend less than one hour with their children each day; 42 percent spend less than two hours each day.  

This time away from their children is leading working fathers to reprioritize work and family and work is moving down the list. Of working fathers surveyed, 37 percent would leave their jobs if their spouse or partner made enough money to support the family.  

The number of companies that are offering programs to promote work/life balance is on the rise; however, according to the survey, working fathers say that employers could do a lot more. Thirty-six percent of working dads say their company does not offer flexible work arrangements such as flexible schedules, telecommuting, job sharing, or other supports that would help them be more successful at work and at home.
Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
Retaining fathers

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