Working dads: Towards equal caregiving

Abstract

This report examines the role of fathers in caregiving and how workplace policies and cultures shape their ability to engage in caregiving roles. Conducted by GenWest in collaboration with the Preventing Violence Together (PVT) Partnership, the study surveyed 155 working fathers in Melbourne's western region to understand the barriers and supports influencing their access to parental leave and flexible work. Findings highlight a pervasive "workplace parenting penalty," where fathers face career penalties for taking parental leave or accessing flexible arrangements, resulting in an imbalance in caregiving roles and reinforcing gendered norms that impede gender equality. Fathers reported challenges such as a lack of managerial support, inadequate policy frameworks, and the societal expectation for men to prioritise work over family. <br><br> The report identifies three primary barriers: 1) workplace penalties for parenting, 2) gendered expectations limiting fathers' access to parental leave and flexible work, and 3) unsupportive workplace cultures. These findings align with broader research on how rigid gender norms in workplace settings contribute to economic disparities and impact mental health for caregivers and their families. This report advocates for systemic changes in workplace policies, including eliminating primary and secondary carer distinctions, enhancing support for men as caregivers, and promoting flexible work as a standard practice across roles. <br><br> The recommendations underscore that normalising equal caregiving practices would support both gender equality and violence prevention, as advocated in Our Watch’s "Change the Story" framework. The report concludes with actionable steps for employers to create inclusive, supportive workplaces where caregiving roles are equally valued and shared.<br><br>