If you’re a working dad, you probably recognise this feeling: you want to be more involved at home, but something’s holding you back. Maybe it’s the fear of how taking parental leave might affect your career. Perhaps it’s the subtle (or not-so-subtle) workplace culture that still sees fathers as secondary carers. Or it could be the financial pressure that makes extended time off feel impossible.

You’re not imagining it. Despite all the progress we’ve made, the odds are still stacked against dads in many ways.

Research shows only 17% of Australian fathers take long leave to care for their new child, according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (2023-24 WGEA data). Yet, when dads do take on equal caring responsibilities, everyone wins – kids, partners, and yes, even employers benefit from more engaged, balanced employees.

The invisible barriers working dads face

Our research, conducted with DiMarzio Research during COVID-19, revealed some telling insights:

• 72% of working dads took on more household responsibilities during the pandemic
• 64% also agreed COVID-19 was “a blessing in disguise” for family time
• Working fathers’ values are shifting from being “the provider” to embracing contribution and support

But here’s the thing, while our values are changing, workplace cultures are lagging behind. Many working fathers don’t feel comfortable taking the leave they’re entitled to, even when employers offer it. The fear is real; being penalised at work, letting the team down, or facing financial stress from time away.

These pressures don’t just affect men’s careers, they impact their mental health, their relationships, and their ability to be the fathers they want to be.

Why your workplace should care (and many now do)

The good news? Progressive workplaces are starting to get it. They’re recognising that supporting working fathers isn’t just good in theory, it has a ripple effect helping to create mentally healthy, thriving teams.

When companies properly support their working dads, they see:

• Improved employee retention and satisfaction
• Enhanced workplace culture and psychological safety
• Better work-life integration across all employees
• Reduced stress-related absenteeism
• Stronger employer brand as a family-friendly workplace

What support actually looks like

Through our partnership with The Father Hood, we’re seeing workplaces successfully engage and inspire their working dads through workshops specifically designed for men. 

Workshop topics

It’s the Best Time in History to Be a Dad
This session explores the unprecedented opportunities available to modern fathers while acknowledging the pressures and expectations that can impact mental health. Because yes, it is the best time to be a dad, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

The Fastest Road to 50/50
Practical strategies for achieving genuine partnership at home and work. This tackles the guilt and stress many of us experience when trying to balance competing demands.

Fatherhood 2.0
Redefines what masculinity and fatherhood look like today. Addresses the mental health challenges that come with role transition and identity evolution, because figuring out how to be a different kind of dad than your own father can be challenging.

Comprehensive Support

Our partnership with The Father Hood complements our existing services:

• Parental Leave Transition Coaching – Supporting the practical and emotional aspects of leave
• The Parent Well – Addressing mental health and support in the transition to parenthood 
• Targeted Workshops – Specialised workshops addressing the unique needs of working parents.

Together, these create comprehensive support that recognises parenting as a workplace wellbeing issue requiring thoughtful, evidence-based intervention.

On International Father’s Mental Health Day (and beyond), we’re reminded that supporting working fathers isn’t just ticking a box, it’s essential for creating mentally healthy, thriving workplaces for all genders. The traditional model of fatherhood is evolving rapidly, and workplaces that don’t adapt risk losing talented employees and missing opportunities to create more inclusive, supportive cultures.

The data is clear. Working fathers want to contribute meaningfully at home and work. When organisations provide the tools, support, and culture for dads to thrive in both roles, everyone benefits.

Contact us today to discuss how The Father Hood can drive positive cultural change and open important conversations in your workplace. Reach out to us on info@transitioningwell.com.au or on 1300 824 808 to find out more.

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