Paternity leave policies: benefits and how to apply

The birth or adoption of a child marks the start of a special time for families. While women often experience the most changes in their lives, many experts now recognize that it is an equally important time for fathers. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report, Employee Benefits in the United States, March 2024, is quite comprehensive and throws light on several employee benefits. Many organizations offer employees paid parental leave during childbirth to help families thrive in early childbirth and adoption.

However, while maternity leave is quite common, paternity leave still lags. In fact, only 21% of US workers have access to paid parental leave, reflecting the lack of supportive workplace environments.

As an employer and HR, you need to understand that providing paternity leave is not only crucial for fathers but is also a good opportunity for your organization to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Encouraging a culture that promotes paternity leave can lead to improved employee retention, reduced turnover costs, and enhanced workplace morale.

Let’s explore the benefits of paternity leave policies with a step-by-step guide on how fathers can apply for these leaves at their workplace. 

But first, let’s first understand the meaning of paternity leave and the policies surrounding it.

What is paternity leave?

Paternity leave for men can be paid or unpaid, depending on the policies in place. A 2014 International Labor Organization report disclosed that 184 countries prescribe parental leave. Of these 184 countries, taking the lead are Japan, Portugal, and South Korea which give the highest benefits to new fathers. In contrast, the US is the only developed country that doesn’t offer nationwide paid parental or family leave. 

According to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA),  a 12-week parental leave is a United States labor law that makes it compulsory for organizations to provide employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons.

However, there is still no national paid parental leave policy. Each state has its policy on parental leave for both mothers and fathers. When it comes to paternity leave, here’s a list of state-wise fraternal leave in the U.S.: 

• Paternity leave in Ohio – 6 weeks
• Washington State paternity leave – 12 weeks
• New Jersey paternity leave – 12 weeks
• Paternity leave Colorado – 12 weeks
• Paternity leave Oregon – 12 weeks
• Paternity leave Texas – at least 2 weeks
• California paternity leave – 8 weeks
• Paternity leave Florida – at least 2 weeks
• Paternity leave Illinois – 6 weeks
• Paternity leave in Pennsylvania – 8 weeks
• CT paternity leave – 12 weeks

Also read: 5 reasons you need an official paternity leave policy

Benefits of paternity leave 

For employees

A newborn child relies heavily on a strong bond with a caregiver, typically a parent, which influences their emotional, social, and cognitive growth. 

Similarly, in the case of older adopted or foster children, the initial weeks and months are vital for building attachments.

Like mothers, fathers need ample opportunities to bond with their children early on. There are several key benefits of male maternity leave for new fathers, including:

• Enables new fathers to form a lifelong bond with their newborn
• Strengthens the relationship between fathers and their partners
• Encourages new fathers to support the career goals of their partners
• Boosts the happiness of fathers and energizes them
• Aids new parents in establishing their parenting roles

Besides these benefits, maternity leave for men can also help improve the well-being of mothers and promote equality within the household.

For businesses

When it comes to providing paternity leaves, there are clear strategic benefits for employers too:

• Ensures employees stay energized 

Without paternity leave, fathers will have to juggle their job responsibilities along with their parental duties for the remainder of their day. Carrying these two full-time roles will ultimately burn them out mentally and physically, resulting in lower productivity at work. Maternity leave for men will allow them to spend time with their families and return to work more energized at the end of the leave.

• Attract and retain top talents

Organizations and businesses that prioritize family-friendly policies, such as paid paternity leave, are more likely to attract and retain top talent. A report by McKinsey & Company highlighted that paternity leave can increase both employee engagement and retention. Moreover, providing employees with job security and paid time off fosters loyalty, encouraging them to advocate for their employers and recommend them to others.

• Foster a positive workplace culture

An organization creates a more positive and supportive work culture by encouraging fathers to participate in family responsibilities and letting them spend time with their children. It can lead to increased productivity and morale in the workplace.

• Create a more equal work environment

By ensuring both men and women are entitled to fraternal leaves, you create a workplace that promotes gender equality. A study in Sweden indicated that when fathers take paternity leave, the mothers experience a 7% increase in earnings.

This shared responsibility helps dismantle traditional gender roles, leading to a more equitable work environment and improved career prospects for both parents.

Applying for a paternity leave

To apply for paternity leave, generally, this procedure is followed: 

Submit a written request

The employee must prepare a formal, written request for paternity leave and address it to their supervisor and/or the HR department. The request includes:

• Expected birth or adoption date
• The intended start date of the leave
• The expected end date.

Submit in advance

The leave request needs to be submitted at least three weeks before the planned leave. Early submission helps the organization plan for employees’ absences and ensures a smooth transition of their duties.

Provide supporting documents

The expected father should be prepared to submit any formal documents requested by HR, such as a certification of their partner’s pregnancy or adoption papers. These documents should be provided as soon as possible to avoid delays.

HR review

Once HR receives the employee’s request, they will review it to determine their eligibility for paternity leave based on company policy. The HR will then notify the employee of their eligibility status and confirm the amount of paternity leave they are entitled to take.

Allowing new fathers to build connections with their children and partners, workplaces foster healthy family relationships. In return, organizations can benefit significantly by offering this valuable support to their employees.

You can check out Workable’s employer paternity leave policy template that you can customize based on your company’s needs.