Why Aussie Dads Struggle with Work-Family Balance

Despite the rise of dual-earner families in Australia, dads face hurdles in adopting flexible work arrangements. Deep-seated gender norms, lack of awareness about entitlements, and insufficient male role models hinder their ability to balance work and family life, affecting their wellbeing and career progression.

Despite an increase in dual-earner families in Australia, fathers face significant hurdles in embracing flexible working arrangements such as part-time work or parental leave.

This affects not just their wellbeing but also women's employment and children's development. Various barriers, including deep-rooted gender norms, lack of awareness about entitlements, and insufficient male role models, are to blame.

Men often fear career penalties or lack the visibility of their caregiving roles at work, making it challenging to prioritize family over career. To facilitate change, organizations must better support dads and make flexible working options more accessible and acceptable for men.

(With inputs from agencies.)