Equal Human Rights Comission launches revealing report
On Radio 4’s Today programme ysterday Andrea Murray (Acting Group Director of Strategy) from the Equality and Human Rights Commission reported that fathers in the UK are working longer hours (no big surprise there) and are struggling to balance work and family.
A report she quoted claimed that four in every ten fathers say that they spend too little time with their children although most would love to have a more active role in caring for their children. Two in five men fear that if they requested flexible working arrangements it would negatively impact their career development and would result in their commitment being questioned.
Does your work demand too much of your time?
My husband is one of the few guys at his work who puts his foot down when it comes to leaving the office to be able to get home for our children’s bedtime. His boss hates it. The weekends are still punctated by trips to the study to respond to emails which come in at ridiculous times of the morning or evening and are expected to be read and actioned there and then.
There is a constant tension between work demands and demands on family life. As my husband and I both work full time we can easily get caught up in our jobs, and family time just gets squeezed out if we are not careful. But why should my husband be stuck in this tug of war between manager and family? Well it certainly isn’t a rare occurance these days…
What works best – carrot or stick?
In my opinion men who enjoy their work are focused in achieving their targets and objectives regardless of whether or not a boss is cracking the whip. Those who aren’t, get easily exposed through lack of productivity – not through lack of time spent working!
Flexible working practices should be offered by all organisations who want to see an increase in productivity and output. Give these guys a carrot not a stick and the results will speak for themselves as numerous reports over the past few years will substantiate.
Children need their fathers for emotional and intellectual growth
Work is a thing you do, not a place you go, or indeed a time you do it. Yes there are certain boundaries which should not be crossed – we still have an economy to mend after all but happier workers lead to happier businesses and surely it will benefit the next generation of employees? Children with strong father figures in their lives (particulalry girls) generally have better self esteem, self worth and therefore tend to do better educationally and in the workplace - it’s a fact. Tell me if you think I’m wrong…
Allowing workers the freedom, where the job role is appropriate, to work remotely and around certain family responsibilities should be the right of every person, whether male or female. The technology is available, the culture is not.
Tags: flexible working
