Isn’t it time to remove the stigma around men caring for their own children?

'Daddy Day Care'.

'Mr Mom'.

You still hear these phrases levelled at men who choose to care for their own children.

And until that changes, it's going to be a struggle redressing the gender leadership balance.

A recent survey shows that men (17.3%) are less likely to ask for flexible work arrangements than women (24.2%).

Men are more likely to utilize “informal” flexibility e.g. flexible start and end times (Women are more likely to utilise “formal” flexibility e.g. part-time work, parental leave).

And men are far more likely to be flat refused any request for flexible working than women.

With the change in working practices after the pandemic, if all the men go back into the office and the women stay working from home, this will only exacerbate problems of gender inequality.

So what can companies do to tackle the flexible working stigma that men face?

The Lead5050 accreditation audits organisations to see how equitable their policies and procedures are, surveys employees and produces a report to help make real changes that will address inequity.

We make recommendations to help remove stigma around flexible working.

If you're interested in hearing more about this, book a chat with us here.