“Family Fund always look to be supportive and help employees to balance their work and personal lives.”

15 May is the day that marks the International Day of Families. To mark this day, our HR and Facilities Officer, Nathan, shares his experience about the support he received from Family Fund with shared parental leave.

Shared parental leave allows both parents to share time off work to care for their child, following birth or adoption during their first year.

“This was our first child, and we were really excited to be bringing her into the world. My partner and I have always felt that equality is important to us. And we wanted to make sure we took on an equal share of caring responsibilities once our daughter was born.

Why a shared parental leave?

“There were many considerations to take into account. I wanted to be involved in the caring responsibilities for my daughter’s first year. And my partner was unsure if she wanted to take the full 12 months of maternity leave. But we also had to think through the financial implications.

“Luckily for us, Family Fund offers enhanced shared parental leave which meant that we received my full salary for six weeks, and then 20 weeks at half pay. So we decided that my partner would take six months of maternity leave, and I would take four and a half months of shared parental leave, without having a massive impact on our income.

“Shared parental leave might not suit everyone. But it is important that people know that it is an option. For me it was really important to have the time to spend with my daughter. It is a time I look back on really fondly. I have some fantastic memories of encouraging our daughter to walk and talk and taking care of her. It also allowed my partner to have the choice to return to work when she was ready. And I think it had a positive impact on my partner’s wellbeing and mental health. It was definitely the right choice for us.

“It gave us the flexibility to decide how we would support each other and bring up our child together.”

Going back to work at Family Fund

“Coming back to work felt a bit like starting a new job! But after a couple of weeks, I felt that I was back up to speed. Luckily for me, my team were very supportive and happy to have me back. I do not think it affected my career in any negative way. Family Fund, as an organisation, always look to be supportive and help employees to balance their work and personal lives.

“My colleagues, friends and family were very supportive of me taking shared parental leave. But I found that for some external appointments I took my daughter to, people were a bit surprised it was the father rather than the mother. I think attitudes are generally changing but as with most things in life, some people are more accepting than others!

How can organisations encourage employees to take shared parental leave?

“Family Fund has a culture that supports staff that have caring responsibilities in general, including parental responsibilities, and this is so important. Also, fostering an inclusive environment and open communication channels with the managers. It is important that staff feel they can discuss the option of taking shared parental leave.

“Providing enhanced shared parental leave sends a positive message to staff that the organisation is not just providing the statutory minimum but is considering how it can support its employees. So that they can take the leave without the financial burden that this would place upon them.

Advice for people considering shared parental leave

“I’d certainly encourage someone to take it if they feel it is right for them. It was a fantastic opportunity to bond with my daughter and to take an equal role in caring responsibilities during her first year. I would absolutely do it again. It’s something I will remember and look back on for the rest of my life.“