Some of the largest companies in the world are working to improve benefits for working fathers, but one company has gone a step further by offering paid paternity leave, up to $5 thousand, for new dads following the birth of their child. This amazing offer allows dads to take time off to spend with their new baby and to help the new mother, too.
Dove conducted a study in 2018, asking fathers if they believed they should be allowed to take leave. Over half of those interviewed supported the idea. Conversely, a Boston College study conducted in 2014 reports that less than one out of every five fathers are offered paid time off for paternity leave by their employers.
Dove’s Men+Care, in a partnership with Reddit founder and husband of tennis superstar Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, has pledged to donate $1 million to support fathers who wish to take time off to welcome a new baby. The movement is called, “Pledge for Paternity Leave.”
Encouraging Men And Companies
The Vice President of Unilever’s Skin Cleansing and Baby Care, Nick Soukas, stated in a press release, “Our goal is to increase utilization rates of paid paternity leave for those men who have access to it and encourage other companies to come together and offer men paid paternity leave so they can take the time to care for their families.”
Unilever, Dove’s parent company, is expected to award $5,000 in grants to 200 fathers who only get ten days or less of paid paternity leave from their positions within the company over the next two years. This is another example of the company’s commitment to family. In fact, Unilever earned the 2018 title of Number 1 Workplace on the list, “Working Mother 100 Best Companies.”
In the press release, Ohanian explains that his own experiences as a new dad inspired him to participate in the fund. On the birth of his own child, Ohanian stated publicly that he was taking time to spend with his new child. His feeling is that no man should be judged for taking paternity leave.
“You can still be an ambitious businessperson while also taking time for your family. And it’s not just fathers who reap the benefits—it’s in the best interest of families, workplaces and communities to support dads in taking leave.”
The applications to receive the funds are currently open through 2020. Expectant fathers can apply and will be evaluated on several categories like “passion and enthusiasm” and “originality and creativity.” For more information and an application, visit the Dove Men+Care website.
