Not many companies in the U.S. offer paid paternity leave, with less and a quarter of employers including such a policy in their benefits. Unless new dads work somewhere with a generous policy (like Netflix), some families have to figure out workarounds.
While the topic of paid parental leave is being talked up, there is one group willing to walk the walk too. Dove’s Men+Care is giving $5,000 paternity leave grants to expectant fathers in need. Partnering with Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, they are launching a full campaign to promote and help implement workplace policies that assist new fathers.
The personal care brand started the Paternity Leave Fund with a commitment of $1,000,000 for men who do not have access to paid leave. New and expecting dads can apply for a grant by visiting a special link on Dove’s website. Applications are open for adoptive and biological fathers who are caring for a child.
In a press release, Dove pointed out that less than 1 in 5 fathers have access to paid paternity leave through their jobs. Further, the brand also shared this information based on a survey:
“When asked, nearly 7 out of 10 dads said they would change jobs to be more involved in the early weeks and months of caring for their newborn or adopted child.”
Ohanian also shared why he’s working with Dove for this initiative:
“Through my own experience becoming a father, I saw firsthand the importance of taking paternity leave and being there for my family during a critical time in our lives. No dad should have to sacrifice taking leave, and I’ve been very public about taking mine in an effort to show other men that you can still be an ambitious businessperson while also taking time for your family.”
Dove asks that dads who apply for the grant funds take a pledge to not only experience the full length of their leave, but to also share their experiences and urge lawmakers to endorse paid leave policies for dads. Dove pledges to work with businesses, parents, and officials to increase the availability of paid paternity leave.
With the grant fund, they plan to support it through 2020 but want to spread awareness now. Offering financial assistance is one way to do it and as Dove says, no dad should have to choose between fatherhood and a paycheck.
“While our push to make paid paternity leave the new standard is a long-term mission, expectant dads are in urgent need of support right now, and The Paternity Leave Fund is available for new or expectant dads who do not currently have access to paid leave through their employer, and all eligible dads are encouraged to apply.”
Over 150 fathers will be awarded grants until the end of 2020. While the U.S. lags behind other developed countries when it comes to paid parental leave, private companies have been molding their own initiatives during the past few years.
Google offers 18 weeks for moms and 12 weeks for fathers. Adobe’s paid paternity leave is 16 weeks, and Netflix’s generous paid policy allows parents to be off as long as they want for up to one year.
The Dove Men+Care program is an awesome opportunity for fathers who want to spend more time at home during those few months. If you’re interested in applying for the grant, be sure to visit Dove’s website! Hopefully, more employers will get on board with this benefit.
Does your workplace offer paid paternity (or parental) leave? Are you a dad who would jump at this chance? What are your thoughts on Dove’s project?
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