Healthy Men: Maternity leave is a great idea. But what about dad? | Momaha

— It could affect hiring. Seventy-seven percent of respondents in a Deloitte study “claim that the amount of parental leave offered by an employer could sway their decision when choosing one employer over another.”

— It boosts morale and productivity. In 2017 a study conducted by Ernst and Young, 80% of companies that offered paid parenting leave reported a positive impact on morale, and 70% of companies reported that employee productivity increased. Recruiting, hiring, and training new workers costs companies billions each year and reduces productivity.

— It increases workplace safety. In a Japan study, dads who had to juggle work and parenting were 36% more likely to have a near-miss at work and 26% more likely to have one on the road due to fatigue. In Australia, tired parents cost employers approximately $5 billion per year. With a U.S. population 13 times greater than Australia’s (331 million vs. 25.7 million), that translates to $65 billion.

— Dads who take paternity leave learn to be better — and more confident — parents. As a result, they’re more satisfied with parenting and more engaged in caring for their children as they grow.

— American dads really want paternity leave. In studies by the Boston College Center for Work and Family, 89% of respondents (93% of millennials) thought getting paternity leave was an important issue; 86% of working dads say their children are their top priority, and 64% say being a father makes them a better employee. A Harvard study found that 70% of fathers would give up some pay to be able to spend more time with their family.