What About Single Dads in the Workplace?

Becoming a single dad is a life changing event.

Being a single parent is tough — there’s no debate there. But  understanding the challenges faced by single parents can help us to offer better support to the many who find themselves taking on this role particularly Dads.

However, the research on single fathers is limited, with many studies focused on comparing partnered parents to single mothers.

I think that society (still) views men as not actually up to the task of parenting solo. Women are assumed to be the caregivers. The nurturers. The stalwarts of the family and the home.

This can mean people may assume dads aren’t capable of basic parenting tasks. Conversely, it can lead to unnecessarily celebrating everything a single dad does — it can get patronising  to see dads being idolised for simply food shopping, ironing or doing the school run with their kids, as if it’s a monumental achievement instead of just, well, part of family life.

But the truth is Dads aren’t just capable — they are loving, caring, and more than competent.

But single Dads need to be supported in the workplace too.

From breakups and divorces to being widowed or starting a family on your own, there are many paths to single parenthood.

Single dads can face a number of challenges in the workplace, including:

Balancing work and parenting responsibilities: Single dads may find it difficult to balance their work responsibilities with their parenting duties, especially if they are the primary caregiver for their children. They may need to take time off for appointments or emergencies related to their children, which can be difficult to coordinate with work obligations.

Lack of workplace support: Some workplaces may not offer adequate support or resources for single dads, such as flexible work hours or on-site childcare. This can make it challenging for them to meet their parenting responsibilities while also excelling in their job.

Stigma and discrimination: Single dads may face stigma or discrimination in the workplace due to stereotypes or assumptions about their ability to balance work and parenting responsibilities. They may also face biases related to their gender, such as assumptions that they are less committed to their job or less skilled than their colleagues.

Financial pressures: Single dads may face financial pressures, particularly if they are the sole provider for their family. They may need to work longer hours or take on additional jobs to make ends meet, which can impact their ability to spend time with their children or be fully present in their work.

Lack of social support: Single dads may feel isolated or unsupported at work, particularly if they are the only parent in their workplace or if they do not have a strong support system outside of work. This can impact their mental health and overall well-being, which can in turn impact their job performance.

What can companies do to support single dads in the workplace?

There are several things that companies can do to support single dads in the workplace:

Offer flexible work arrangements: Companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, flexible work hours, or job-sharing, that allow single dads to balance their work responsibilities with their parenting duties.

Provide on-site childcare: Companies can offer on-site childcare or subsidies for childcare services to help single dads manage their parenting responsibilities while at work.

Offer parental leave: Companies can offer parental leave that includes time off for fathers, giving single dads the opportunity to spend time with their children and manage their family responsibilities.

Provide access to support services: Companies can provide access to support services, such as counselling or financial planning, to help single dads manage the challenges they may face in balancing work and parenting responsibilities.

Create a supportive workplace culture: Companies can create a workplace culture that is supportive of single dads, including providing opportunities for networking and mentorship, celebrating work-life balance, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create a more supportive and inclusive workplace that recognises the unique challenges faced by single dads and helps them to succeed both at work and at home.

Does your company have a Employee Resource Group (ERG) for single parents?

But aren’t the challenges different for single dads to single mums?

What does your company do to support you?