The Importance of Paternity Leave: Empowering Fathers and Strengthening Families

I’m Damian- A Payroll Analyst based in Dublin (our new Dockline office!) and I’ve recently added a new title to my resume: Dad!

In honor of Father’s Day, I want to share my experience as a new dad and how I’ve felt supported at Workday as I navigate this new role. From our fantastic benefits, to the support we receive from our teams, to the vibrant and caring culture, Workday truly puts people first in recognizing all caregivers. Join me as I delve into what makes Workday a great workplace for dads and why it matters to me.

Workday’s Unwavering Support for Dads

Workday is the only place I’ve worked where all new parents are looked after, not just mothers. 12 weeks paid Bonding Leave is something I did not expect when I first joined and it’s something I still cannot get over! Workmates are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave and receive 100% of their base salary to welcome and bond with a new addition to their family. In line with our core values and commitment to valuing inclusion, belonging, and equity (or, VIBE, as we call it), this benefit is available to all new parents, including mothers, fathers, same-sex couples, and adoptive parents. Workmates get 12 fully paid weeks when the regulation in Ireland is just 2 weeks at a fraction of salary. Talk about a company going above and beyond for their employees!

A Culture That Celebrates Parents

When it comes to describing the Workday culture, the words that come to mind are fun, caring, enjoyable, relaxed, and enthusiastic. Stepping into the new Dockline office is like stepping into a cool oasis of positive energy. Workday creates an environment where we can truly thrive, both personally and professionally. And that’s something everyone can appreciate.

Our Families Employee Belonging Council (EBC), is open to any Workmate who provides full-time or part-time care for another person; Workmates who are likely to become a caregiver in the next 5–10 years under any condition; or any Workmate wanting to take action to enable the career development of working caregivers. It’s a great space for caregivers to come together, celebrate special moments in caregiving, openly share challenges, and discuss how we can continue to make work days brighter for all caregivers. It’s nice to have a place where Workmates can get together, share relatable stories, and find others who have shared experiences.

Oh, and let’s not forget the #dad-jokes Slack channel, where laughter and camaraderie bring us together, regardless of whether you’re a dad!

My favorite dad joke: My partner says stuff like “I’m hungry/ tired/ warm/ cold/ going to the bathroom,” I respond with “Hi hungry/ tired/ warm/ cold/ going to the bathroom — I’m Damian (now recently changed to I’m dad)!”

Reflecting on My Own Bonding Leave

My 12 weeks of bonding leave were full of special moments. The first five weeks were magical as I got to spend precious time with my partner and our newborn baby. I was there to support my partner’s recovery and witness priceless moments of holding our little one. But here’s the best part: Workday allows us to split the 12 weeks of leave over the course of a year. This flexibility has been a game-changer for my family. I’ve been taking a week here and there to support my partner as she returns to work, giving her peace of mind while she transitions back. It’s been a blessing!

Myths About Paternity Leave

A common myth I’ve heard is that dads can’t have as strong a bond with their children as mothers do. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Every time I drop off my baby at the childminder and pick her up after work, I feel the unbreakable bond we share. Witnessing her tearful goodbye and then her beaming face when I reunite with her fills my heart with joy. Fathers have an equally powerful connection with their children, and Workday recognizes and supports that bond.

Advice for New and Expecting Fathers

Make sure to talk to people about any concerns or worries you have! Men tend to avoid talking about feelings, which can be quite damaging. It isn’t easy trying to adjust or deal with a new family addition, while also trying to help the mother recover from birth, and also support her emotions and hormones which can be “a bit all over the place” as my partner said. Not to mention maintaining a household on top of it all… it’s a lot to handle. Your cup must be full to help fill someone else’s. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to speak up!

Workday has set the bar high when it comes to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for fathers. With our generous parental leave policy, unwavering commitment to employee well-being, and a culture that celebrates the joys of parenthood, Workday stands out as an exceptional workplace for dads.

As I reflect on my journey as a new father, I am grateful to be part of a company that not only understands the importance of being present for those precious moments, but actively encourages and supports it. If you’re a parent, parent-to-be, or hope to be a parent someday, look no further than Workday — where your work days become brighter, and your role as a parent is cherished.

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