Culture
The Benefits of Parental Leave: Two Fathers Share Their Experiences and Lessons Learned
Culture
The Benefits of Parental Leave: Two Fathers Share Their Experiences and Lessons Learned
On the heels of a global pandemic, people are prioritizing what they are looking for when choosing where to work. Work/life balance has taken a front seat and companies are re-evaluating the benefits they offer – one being paternity leave.
According to a recent study, 91% of fathers who weren’t permitted paid paternity leave revealed they would have if it was available to them. And nearly all fathers (95%) rated flexibility in the workplace as crucial to maintaining their professional life with their family needs. While the popularity of taking paternity leave is slowly growing, the average length of paternity leave is just one week in the United States.
At Comcast, we know families come in all different shapes and sizes and that everyone’s journey through parenthood is different. That’s why our Paid Parental Leave is inclusive of all families and provides 12 weeks off for a primary caregiver (with a phase back to work option) and 2 weeks off for a non-primary caregiver. Hear from two Comcast employees who recently shared their Paid Parental Leave experience and the positive impact it left on their families.
Carl's Story
The difference between maternity/paternity leave and parental leave may seem like one-word to some, but really reflects an evolution in policy. For Carl Jones, Jr., Vice President, Government & External Affairs, the language directly affected him.
“My child has two fathers, so there isn’t a traditional maternity leave in our family,” said Jones. What was often conventionally referred to as maternity leave, Jones notes that changing the language of what it means to care for your child regardless of sex or assigned gender is hugely important. “I think fathers in all relationships should feel comfortable taking care of their child.”
When Carl and his husband were preparing to start their family, he never hesitated to take advantage of benefits. “I had seen that modeled on my team and no one assumed anything different other than I would be taking parental leave,” he said.
76%
of fathers will return to work in less than a week after welcoming a new child (Zippia)
Carl Jones, Jr.
Vice President, Government & External Affairs
When Carl and his husband were preparing to start their family, he never hesitated to take advantage of benefits. “I had seen that modeled on my team and no one assumed anything different other than I would be taking parental leave,” he said.
In addition to parental leave, Comcast offers several benefits for family planning, such as fertility treatments, adoption assistance, and surrogacy support. “I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with what’s available,” said Carl.
The shift to father has made Carl more conscientious and thoughtful in different ways. “To start my day looking at my son who is waking up happier than anything, it keeps me grounded; the things I find value and importance in.”
In welcoming his 11-month-old son, Cooper, Carl has also reframed how he approaches his days. “It’s a reminder of all that my teammates might be going through or prioritizing in their own lives.”
Matt’s Story
Matt, a software developer and engineering manager, has been able to utilize the full 12-weeks available through Paid Parental Leave twice during his 4 years at Comcast. First in 2019 with the birth of his older daughter, and again in late 2021 with the addition of a new daughter.
After a difficult delivery, Matt was the main caregiver for his second daughter, which allowed his wife to recuperate while she prepared to go back to work shortly after (she had just started a new job and only had a 6 week leave). For Matt, taking time to devote to his family shifted his perspective on work/life balance. “Spending that time devoted to the family and not having to spend the time adjusting your work life balance is extremely helpful.”
20%
of men worry taking paternity leave is risking a setback in their career Zippia
The support he received from his managers and supervisors also made for an easy transition, especially during the birth of his first daughter when he had only been with Comcast for about six months. He shares that his manager and teammates were understanding of the situation and happy for him to have that bonding period. Matt adds that it’s “great to have the support from my leadership to be able to take it” when it came to the decision to take parental leave, including the transition back to work.
Having that time to bond and make that connection with my kids has been just amazing.
Matt
Software Developer and Engineering Manager
The benefits and support also extended to Matt’s wife as the spouse of a Comcast employee including a free breast pump and guidance throughout her pregnancy. He explained how easy it was to navigate the portal and access them.
Matt encourages all fathers, especially those at Comcast, to take advantage of the Paid Parental Leave benefit, “It’s hard to think back to another benefit that has meant more to me and my family.
