How fathers can ask their boss for flexible working arrangements
Dads increasingly want flexible working arrangements to better support their family, particularly to help care for newborns. Here’s how to ask the boss.
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I’m becoming a dad and my employer does not offer paternity leave. How do I ask for increased flexibility without looking like I am taking a step back from my career?
Alexandra Rosser
Head of Organisational
Psychology Consulting,
Stillwell Management
Consultants
Start by identifying your government-related entitlements to/eligibility for parental leave, Dad and Partner Pay and/or unpaid leave, as this information will be necessary to your case. Find out whether anyone else in your workplace has taken paternity leave and ask for their advice. Determine the leave you require, and organise a meeting with your employer well before your baby is born. Before that meeting, strategise solutions and suggestions for how to preserve the continuity in your work while you are on leave and consider any benefits it might have for other employees who might have an opportunity to act in your role and acquire new skills. Outline the research findings that employers who offer parental leave to men have higher engagement and productivity results from both their male and female staff and, in signalling that they do not see child-raising as a gendered role, are viewed as employers of choice.
Lisa Morris
Director,
Hays
Congratulations on your impending parenthood! The good news is that there’s a greater appreciation that dads may want some form of extended flexibility to be able to contribute more significantly to the care of their children. Despite this, many fathers still encounter gender-biased policies and find that their career suffers if they ask for flexibility over and above the government’s scheme. If your workplace is not supportive or if it’s simply not common for dads to ask for extended leave or flexibility, schedule a meeting with your boss and clearly explain why you would like your request to be considered. Be specific about what you’re asking for and the duration. For example, do you want to work part time, such as three days a week, permanently? Or do you want to have six months off then return to your full-time position? Then present to your boss a well-considered plan that covers how your work responsibilities will be managed in your absence. This will allow your boss to see that it is possible for you to work flexibly with minimal disruption. Reiterate that you remain committed to your career and to working towards the objectives set in your last review.
Justin Hinora
Executive consultant,
Hender Consulting
Beyond the minimum provisions set out under Fair Work, there is an increasing number of employers who see the advantages of providing increased flexibility to staff. The recent effects of COVID, which forced working from home, has further highlighted the many benefits. Seeking workplace flexibility should not be considered as taking a step back from your career. Have an open and honest conversation with your line manager or HR and explore whether greater flexibility can be provided. If changing roles (even internally) is the only way to achieve this flexibility, don’t fret as you should be able to explain the change on your CV in the future.
Andrew Sullivan
Managing director,
Sullivan Consulting
How to raise this topic successfully will most likely depend on your personal circumstances and the culture in your workplace. One thing to consider, however, is that employers generally like to hear about solutions, not problems. Asking for flexibility might be perceived as a problem, so be prepared to offer a solution. Be clear about the specific flexibility arrangements you are seeking and your reasons for needing flexibility, while also highlighting the value you bring to the organisation and how you plan to continue providing that. Suggesting a trial period or requesting specific arrangements for a limited time might also be better received, depending on your employer.
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