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The challenge of work-life balance for dads
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We're familiar with the term 'multi-tasking mamas', but what about 'under the pump papas'?
According to a study by the Australian National University, a third of Aussie children aged 11 to 13 say their dads work too much. And what's more, the study found that a third of children did not always enjoy time spent with their fathers.
Researchers observed around 3,000 dads and their kids as part of the 'Growing Up in Australia' study, and their findings pose some important questions. Namely, why do so many children feel this way? And what are the effects of dads working long hours?
Why do Australian kids think their dads work too much?
According to the Australian National University study, these factors contribute to a child's perception that their father works too much:
- His long working hours
- Regular night and weekend work
- Difficulties getting time off work
Exactly how much are dads working?
Lead researcher, Professor Lyndall Strazdins says that nearly half of Australian fathers work more than 44 hours per week. Research has also found that, on average across the Australian population, dads spend more time at paid work than mums, who take on more care and domestic responsibilities.
What effect does this have?
All this work has repercussions for fathers, their families and society as a whole.
On a personal level, Professor Strazdins says, "Australia's work culture and social norms are making it hard for dads to be the fathers they want to be … More than half of fathers reported missing family events because of work, while a fifth described their family time as more pressured and less fun due to their jobs, and these were problems their children shared."
Professor Strazdins says that, fathers are more likely than mothers to report work-life challenges, and that long hours can have far-reaching consequences.
"Our research has shown that people who work more than 39 hours per week are putting their health at risk, and we have also shown that expectations to work long hours are a problem for gender equality," she said.
"Workplaces still assume men are more devoted to their jobs than women and so they expect men to work longer hours, but this creates dilemmas for fathers," Professor Strazdins explained.
To compound matters, their work isn't always nine-to-five. The study found that about 40 per cent of dads regularly worked at night and on weekends, and felt it was hard to change their work hours.
So what do children think about this?
Well, despite a third of the children perceiving their dads as working too much, the study found that youngsters are often understanding and accommodating.
"Our research shows that although kids really value the work that their parents do, whether it's at home, in the office or elsewhere, they also have views about how long is too long to work," Professor Strazdins said.
"While nearly one in eight children wished their father did not work, most kids understand that dad needs to work … They try to be good and try to solve the time constraints of his work schedule to ensure they have a positive relationship with their dads," she explained.
What can we take away from this?
The ANU study highlights the link between a dad's working life and his child's life.
Professor Strazdins said, "We delude ourselves that what happens in fathers' workplaces is somehow separate from children's lives. Time with their fathers is a problem for many children, it's not just an issue for adults and the economy."
How can families better balance work and life?
Long working hours can certainly impinge on home life and although everyone's circumstances are different, the PDF framework offers simple ideas for setting aside family time.
Read more here.
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