Exchange of experiences among fathers: Henkel employees came together to discuss their experiences with parental leave. Some of them also used part time working models to reconcile both: professional success and a happy family life with children. (This link refers to the Henkel intranet and is only accessable for Henkel employees).
Five years ago the legislation on parental allowance and parental leave (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz – BEEG) was introduced in Germany. Since then also at Henkel more and more fathers are taking the opportunity to devote themselves entirely to their children for a while. How do they experience this role change? What kind of reactions they experienced from their own families, friends, colleagues and superiors? All these topics were discussed during a round table hosted by Markus Dinslacken, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion and Social Progress.
“Ensuring the reconcilability of family and career belongs to the self-understanding of Henkel,” explains Dinslacken the meeting’s occasion. “Why? Because we pay special attention to the greatest possible diversity within the workforce. Mothers and fathers might see some things differently than childless people – but it is precisely the different perspectives that capture the spirit of teamwork and innovation.”
Thanks to parental leave and flexible part-time employees are able to take care of their young children and thereby can easier reconcile both: family and career. But with the end of parental leave working couples have to face new challenges: daycare centers for children under three years are still scarce in Germany. But above all: day care centers usually close in the late afternoon. Many mothers and also some fathers have been working part time for years, so that they – usually in exchange – can bring their children to the kindergarten and pick them up again in time. “Fathers like me have to leave the office on two or three afternoons per week earlier than the others,” says one participant of the discussion group. “These are the days when I am responsible for the “Kita pickup service”, so that my wife can work longer. Probably many couples are in the same situation: after the children are sleeping we sneak into our home office and work for a few more hours. Sure it’s tiring. But currently there is no alternative and we are able to handle it somehow.”
Another father reported that especially his boss encouraged and supported him half a year after his daughter’s birth to stay at home for two month. “My boss has already grown up children – and, therefore, a natural understanding for my situation.”
Fathers on parental leave in Germany are still quite rare and therefore not an implicitness – at least not in public opinion. “This will probably still take a few years,” estimates Markus Dinslacken. “A lot also depends on the direct supervisor and the courage to try something new. The round table with the fathers has clearly shown that we are on the right track at Henkel, even if we still have to do a lot of convincing to meet our demand of a good balance between family and career.”
Tags: education, fathers, fathership, flexible working, kindergarden, parental leave, Part time, reconciling career and family, round table
