​Last week I came across an article from Forbes that focused on where Millennials want to work. (tl/dr: The article hinted that it's got a lot more to do with company values and reputation than a salary.)
Today, NPR has an article on what men really want when it comes to work.
The article highlights a growing desire from men to have paternity leave as a benefit from their employer.
​Eighty-nine percent of men say paternity leave is hugely important to them, says a new Boston College study to be published in June.​
​I find that really fascinating – and hopeful.
So often we hear about dead-beat dads who don't do anything to help raise their kids – or dads who are far too focused on their careers to take time away for their kids (even in those vital first few months). But if this statistic is true and genuine, it could show a shift in our way of thinking, both as men and as a society.
One of my favorite sessions at SxSw was How Online Dads Raise Kids Offline. And one of the topics the panelists brought up was paternity leave.
Several of the panelists were fortunate enough to take extended paternity leave and they noted the benefits and how it's impacted their relationship with their children.
On the topic, the panelists noted:
​Only 1 in 100 men take maternity leave.
If you don't spend time with your kid early on you'll find it harder to spend time with them later on.
Women spend 30 hours a week with kids while men spend 10.
I was personally blessed with opportunities to spend roughly a month of paternity time at home when my twin boys were born and when my daughter was born.
It was all vacation time ultimately, but it was a blessing to have the ability to do it and I think it's made me a better dad as well.​
I've also been blessed with great bosses who really see the value in family and keeping family a priority.
So for me, I'll be forever grateful for that time off and I'll always keep that in mind if I'm ever in a position to grant it.
But I'm curious as to if others see the same value in paternity leave for men – either as an employee or manager role.
And/or do men and women see the value differently?
What do you think?
