Suggestions
Carl Martin
Coach and Consultant.
Coaching, People Development and Organisational Culture at Farewill. Previously Forward Partners and ustwo. Failed founder.
Highlights
For as long as I want kids (and have a choice in the matter) I will NEVER work for someone else.
I'm 4 weeks into life with a newborn, and by the standard of pat leave at most companies I'd have returned to work a few weeks ago.
I'm still dumbfounded by just how much parental leave for non-birthing partners is both misunderstood and neglected - especially by businesses who purport to care about equity and inclusion.
(Fun fact: I once worked for a business that wouldn't give equal leave until they could "give everyone who doesn't want kids a paid sabbatical too" 🤪🔫)
Equitable leave for non-birthing partners is probably one of the most high leverage tools a business has at it's disposal to create greater equity in their organisation.
This isn't just about giving non-birthing partners the chance to share the caregiving load or to form meaningful bonds with their children - both of which should be considered critically important regardless.
By not directly assuming women will fulfil the caregiving role, it's directly tackles so many of the challenges women face with bias and discrimination when it comes to progression at work.
When anyone in the business can take parental leave, will everyone be so quickly overlooked for a promotion, or their role made redundant? I think not.
So although as a small business owner I'm unable to carve out time for any formal leave, the fact I am my own boss and do work primarily from home means I do get to form a bond with my daughter, and I do get to share the caregiving responsibilities.
I have a choice - but sadly for so many, they do not.
So be better for the parents at your company - one small change can make a huge difference.
Shout out to Pregnant Then Screwed doing many of the hard yards for driving change - and Koru Kids for their "Paternity League" for keeping it transparent and accountable!
After all that, I'm going back to bed 😴 🛌
#parenting #peoplepolicy #entrepreneurship
This is what work-life harmony looks like.
A few years ago I set out to create a more intentional life - that allowed all that makes me who I am to coexist with my work.
That meant taking some risks, letting go of some ideals, tightening my circle, redefining my views on success and ambition, and so much more.
I don't think I ever fully realised just how much all of this work would lay the foundations for such a positive experience of early fatherhood.
Anyone who has been through the newborn experience will tell you time just isn't within the realms of your control anymore.
But the fact I can carve out a few hours of work whilst also bonding with my daughter whilst she sleeps - that is priceless beyond measure.
I've come to fully accept that work and life will never be the same again - but that change is on my terms now - not someone else's.
I can be an entrepreneur and a father without compromise.
#coaching #fatherhood #entrepreneurship
