It’s all in the family
Millennials are coming of age. They are securing careers, buying homes, and having children. Millennial men, the new generation of fathers, are beginning to consider how they are going to balance parenting with work when looking for jobs.
A mere decade ago, it was relatively rare for companies to offer parental leave or any other benefits to new fathers. In fact, the United States is the only developed nation in the world that does not legally require companies to offer paid parental leave for dads.
Stay-at-home-dads are more common
But the days of the stay-at-home mom are over. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over half of American families have two working parents, and the number of single dad households has increased 900 percent since 1960. More and more, families are insisting that dads take an active role in parenting the little ones. Millennial men, the new generation of fathers, are beginning to recognize how important it is to balance work with family time – and companies are finally starting to catch up.
The top 50 work places for Pops
Fatherly, an online resource for working dads, recently published a list of the top 50 companies for new fathers. The list tapped research from Boston College’s Center for Work and Family, which analyzed companies with over 1000 employees. To be considered for the list, a company had to offer at least one week of paid paternity leave, although some companies offered over nine weeks. The research also looked at other benefits and aspects of company culture, such as work flexibility and family support programs like on-site daycare.
Google ranked first on the list, having provided paid paternity leave years ago when no one else was bothering with it. Facebook ranked second (offering a whopping 17 weeks of paid leave!), followed by Bank of America, Patagonia, and State Street. You can check out the list in its entirety on Fatherly.
Although none of the lists feature real estate as a “company” or “brand,” brokers should encourage new parents to take time off, and have systems in place to allow for that. Despite not being a traditional company, yours can be one that celebrates both parents, and no industry is more poised to be parent-friendly than real estate.
Because you are loved, Daddy-o
Of the 50 top ranking companies, most were concentrated in New York (with 13) and California (with 7). Surprisingly, three of the top 50 companies for working dads were located in Texas. Agents in these states may want to consider blogging or tweeting about Fatherly’s list, as dad-friendly states are likely to start attracting Millennial families looking to buy a home.
Times are changing, and folks are realizing that kids — and companies – benefit when dads are able to spend plenty of time at home while still working to provide for the family.
#Fathers
