Only a few companies allow fathers to take special leave after the birth of their child, a recent survey showed. Family Minister Paus wants to change that – and already has a suggestion.
According to a survey, those responsible in companies are trying to take the needs of working fathers and mothers into account – but special leave for fathers after the birth of a child is not always available. In 44 percent of the companies surveyed, fathers are allowed to take time off after the birth of their children, according to a company survey by the Allensbach Institute for Demoscopy on behalf of the Family Ministry, which was available to the dpa. Accordingly, 26 percent of the companies surveyed would only allow one day, and a further 26 percent would allow two days. Only four percent of the companies surveyed allow fathers more than two days off.
At the same time, the authors of the study show that those responsible in companies are aware of and want to take fathers’ changing ideas about more involvement in the family into account. “Our company has been trying for years to (…) adequately support all young fathers and their families, be it through daycare subsidies or flexible working hours,” commented one respondent.
Family Minister Paus suggests a family start time for parents
Family Minister Lisa Paus wants to present the results of the survey on Tuesday at a specialist conference in Berlin. The Green politician is campaigning for a so-called family start time – i.e. a two-week paid break for partners after the birth of a child. “We want to give the partner time to look after the young mother and support her in her regeneration. In this way, the family start time also provides an impetus for the sharing of tasks as a partnership right from the start,” Paus told the dpa. The draft law is currently being discussed within the federal government.
According to the survey, the majority of companies (59 percent) do not yet know the family start time. Only 41 percent of those surveyed had heard of it. However, almost half (43 percent) consider Paus’s planned project to be a good thing. However, around a third (31 percent) reject it. 26 percent remain undecided.
Upbringing
Changing diapers, brushing teeth, listening: scenes from the everyday family life of young fathers
“Obviously, from a company perspective, it is becoming increasingly important to support young families,” said Paus. “I’m trying to convince even more companies and families of this great idea that can benefit everyone.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
