More than half (54%) of respondents believe colleagues would judge a father who took the same amount of parental leave as a mother, according to research by Deloitte.
Its online poll of 1,000 American adult employees who have access to workplace benefits also found that 57% of male respondents felt that taking parental leave would be perceived as showing a lack of commitment to the job, while 41% of respondents believe they would lose out on opportunities on projects if they took parental leave.
The research also found:
- 64% of respondents believe organisations should offer men and women the same amount of parental leave.
- 50% of respondents would rather have more parental leave than a pay rise.
- 88% of respondents would value their organisation’s leave policies including family care beyond parental leave.
- 77% of respondents say the amount of parental leave offered by an employer has at least a little sway on deciding which organisation to work for.
Mike Preston, chief talent officer at Deloitte, said: “While parental leave is important, it’s just one facet of the larger issue of work and wellbeing.
"Benefits are great, but work environment matters just as much. [Organisations] need to cultivate a culture where people feel comfortable doing what it takes to be their best selves and honour their priorities at work and at home.”
