2. ©The Work Foundation Putting Dads in Context: A Changing World 5 April 2005 Alexandra Jones The Work Foundation

3. ©The Work Foundation Changing lives Markets BusinessWorkforce Expectations

4. ©The Work Foundation What does ‘work-life balance’ mean? Work?Life?

5. ©The Work Foundation Where do dads fit into all this? Benefits of involved dads Working long hours Younger men have different aspirations… –TWF survey - 25% feel they have neglected family commitments –Over a third would trade career progression for more time with their family But the ‘breadwinner role’ is still important The gender pay gap affects fathers’ involvement

6. ©The Work Foundation Business Benefits of ‘work-life balance’ practices Cost savings (some business save up to £250,000) Improves recruitment and retention –Attracting a wider range of candidates & responds to changing demographics –Reputation of being an employer of choice –Making employees feel valued Reduces absenteeism Higher productivity Responds to customers

7. ©The Work Foundation What about dads? High levels of support for ‘work-life balance’ Flexible working seen as female –Lower expectations –Impact on pay and promotion –Workplace culture BUT – whose culture is it?

8. ©The Work Foundation Policy Issues ‘Daddy leave’ Informed public debate & publicity about mums and dads Long hours Incorporating children’s perspective Gender pay gap Changes in workplace linked to wider work-life issues

9. ©The Work Foundation Making it work… Diverse & demanding customers Culture & ways of working Diverse Workforce Individual vs. Collective

10. ©The Work Foundation Practical support Core strategy and objectives Organisational culture and attitudes Policies and resources Employee communications & publicity Management support and buy-in Work re-organisation Evaluation Honesty

11. ©The Work Foundation More information… See www.employersforwork-lifebalance.org.uk for more information on flexible working and making the business case.www.employersforwork-lifebalance.org.uk