A recent policy transformation at the consumer goods giant Unilever Australia and New Zealand has led to a remarkable increase in male participation in parental leave, mirroring a growing trend of gender-neutral and inclusive leave policies in various corporations. Unilever adopted a gender-neutral stance on its parental leave policy in 2020, and in 2021, it eliminated the prerequisite for the leave-taking parent to be the 'primary caregiver.' This shift resulted in men constituting 35% of parental leave beneficiaries in the 2021-2022 financial year, a substantial rise from the previous 12%.

Personal impact: Timothy Danh-Meiklejohn's story

One Unilever employee, Timothy Danh-Meiklejohn, availed himself of this policy shift upon the birth of his second child, allowing him to enjoy the full 16 weeks of paid parental leave. He elucidated how this experience positively impacted his family life by strengthening his bond with his children and providing crucial support to his wife as she returned to work.

Benefits beyond fathers

This shift towards more inclusive parental leave policies benefits fathers and alleviates the burden on working mothers, promoting more equitable sharing of household responsibilities. Furthermore, it contributes to narrowing the gender wage gap within households and can positively affect women's career advancement.

READ MORE | New South Wales and New Zealand elevate the impact of their parental leave policies

Unilever's progressive approach to parental leave mirrors a larger trend, with more companies adopting similar policies to champion gender equality in the workplace and encourage fathers to assume an active role in childcare. Moreover, it aligns with governmental efforts to broaden and enhance parental leave options for all parents.

Diverse approaches to parental leave policies

In contrast, Elon Musk, the former CEO now serving as Chairman and CTO of Twitter, reduced the company's parental leave from 20 weeks to a mere 14 days. This adjustment aligns with regional legal requirements and includes a two-week "top-up" option. In the United States, where no national paid family leave policy exists, employees must adhere to state laws.

Musk's decision means that Twitter employees seeking extended paid leave must comply with their state's regulations. Conversely, companies like Google and Etsy offer more generous parental leave policies. Since acquiring Twitter last year, Musk has implemented cost-cutting measures, including a significant workforce reduction. Twitter has also scaled back various benefits and privileges. 

READ MORE | After layoffs, Elon Musk now snips Twitter's parental leave by 90%

John Holland, a construction contractor, has successfully tripled male participation in parental leave, reaching 42% of total leave taken.

In Australia, where only 13% of parental leave is typically claimed by men, this marks a significant accomplishment. The heavily male-dominated construction industry witnessed only 12% female workforce representation in 2022.

Holland's progressive parental leave policy, offering equal leave regardless of gender, has increased male participation, fostering a more balanced work-life dynamic. This shift challenges industry norms and promotes greater gender equality in the workplace. 

Governmental enhancements

New South Wales and New Zealand are enhancing their parental leave policies. NSW eliminates distinctions between primary and secondary caregivers, granting both parents at least 14 weeks of paid leave. Additionally, partners will receive a two-week bonus if they evenly share leave entitlements.

New Zealand is increasing paid parental leave by $40 a week, acknowledging the impact of inflation. This raises the maximum weekly rate to $661.12. These changes reflect societal shifts and underscore corporations' need to align with evolving legislation for employee well-being. It presents an opportunity to reimagine support for employees.

Creating supportive cultures

As companies recognise the advantages of paternity leave, they are encouraged to cultivate supportive cultures and policies that normalise and embrace it. Ensuring that parental leave does not adversely affect one's career, supporting employees to seamlessly reintegrate into the workplace after leave, and offering family-friendly policies are crucial steps in this direction.

Reshaping the employer-employee dynamic

Extended parental leave policies are reshaping the employer-employee dynamic, with companies acknowledging their positive impact on employee engagement and retention. Progressive policies, akin to those at Saraf Furniture and CoinSwitch in India, extend maternity and paternity leaves, nurturing a more inclusive work environment. These initiatives result in happier, more productive employees, curtailing attrition rates and promoting a forward-thinking corporate culture.

Gender-neutral parental leave policies shatter stereotypes and contribute to overall business success, underscoring the significance of flexibility and support for working parents. These policies signify a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. 

READ MORE | Why parental leave can be a game changer for companies and employees

A broader shift in recognition

Unilever's policy modification is just one instance of how more inclusive parental leave policies can positively affect families and workplaces. It reflects a broader shift towards recognising the value of paternity leave and its potential to cultivate more engaged and contented employees.

As organisations continue to adapt to these changes, more fathers are embracing parental leave, contributing to healthier work-life balances and more equitable partnerships in parenting.