Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, How Military Medical Care Has Evolved Since World War II. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. What are the existing policies on family-related leave across Europe, and how, if at all, do they incentivise fathers taking leave after the birth of a child? All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. We find that although low or absent compensation levels during the leave are a key factor why fathers will or cannot take their leave entitlement, an increase in uptake will most likely result from an interlocking set of family policies that help dual earner families to combine work and family life in a sustainable manner. At least 1 out of the 4 months are non-transferable from a parent to another. In 23 EU member states, on average, only 10 per cent of fathers took up parental leave in 2015. In some countries, legislation is the sole or predominant way in which parental leave issues are regulated, whereas in others a significant role is played by collective agreements. Despite the positive effect of paternity- and parental leave uptake by fathers on a number of economic, social and demographic outcomes, the current uptake of leave by fathers across Europe is low. Right to parental leave (until 1 August 2022) Directive 2010/18 establishes a minimum of 4 months of parental leave. The take-up of parental and paternity leave by fathers is thought to be associated with the improved development of the child. In most cases, it begins with the birth of the child (in the case of the father) or following maternity leave (in the case of the mother). You can determine the length of your parental leave yourself. Germany also experienced a rise after reserving a specific part of parental leave for fathers – a rise from 3.3 per cent in 2006 to 29.3 per cent in 2012. Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND; Ph.D. Student, Pardee RAND Graduate School. Companies that offer flexible working hours, options to increase or decrease working hours, or have work-life balance arrangements, such as crèches and babysitting, as part of their workplace culture are more likely to have male employees that take up parental leave. Most of these countries also offer 100 per cent income compensation for fathers on paternity leave. Our research shows that countries that provide the highest compensation rates have the highest proportion of employees taking parental leave. They are entitled to return to their jobs or to equivalent posts on terms and conditions which are no less favourable to them. How is uptake of paternity and parental leave by fathers linked to the various economic, social and demographic outcomes that are associated with high uptake? Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. Arrangements for parental leave vary widely across Europe, and although the majority of EU Member States provide a statutory right to parental leave, some do not. Paternity leave for working fathers is offered in 18 of the 28 EU member states, with the length of time being short – around 12.5 days on average. It does not have to be taken immediately after birth by either parent – for mothers parental leave can be taken after maternity leave. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. EU countries have different regulations for paternity leave. Such commitments towards a work and family life are seen as important signals by fathers that it is acceptable to take parental leave. Although harder to quantify, workplace culture plays a role in determining uptake of parental leave by fathers. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The link between fathers taking parental leave and improvements in the development of children makes it an important area for European policymakers to consider. Parental leave is also longer, but largely uncompensated. Parents have the right to request taking the leave in a flexible way (part-time and in a piecemeal way). European Commission, 2016. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1666.html. How can Europe encourage fathers to take parental leave? In 23 EU member states, on average, only 10 per cent of fathers took up parental leave in 2015. all at once or in separate periods) and whether it is taken full or part time. The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. Women in the labour market / Work-Life Balance, This site is managed by the Directorate-General for Communication, Right to paternity leave (as of 2 August 2022), Right to parental leave (until 1 August 2022), Right to parental leave (as of 2 August 2022), Right to request flexible working arrangements (until 1 August 2022), Right to request flexible working arrangements (as of 2 August 2022), Legal protection for maternity leave, paternity leave and adoption leave, Find out how many days of maternity leave are given in your country, Find out how many days of paternity leave are given in your country, Directive 92/85 on the protection of pregnant workers, Directive 2006/54 on equal treatment between men and women in matters of employment and occupation, Directive 2010/41 on equal treatment between men and women in self-employment, Directive 1158/2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers, Aid, Development cooperation, Fundamental rights, Follow the European Commission on social media. Eligibility criteria directly influence who can take leave. It establishes the right to maternity allowances for at least 14 weeks. At least 2 out of the 4 months are non-transferable from a parent to another. Paternity leave is compensated at least at the national sick pay level. A lack of flexibility can often deter fathers from taking their parental leave. In many cases, those on part-time contracts are on a lower income and less likely to take leave. Find out how many days of paternity leave are given in your country. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. Low or absent compensation levels during the leave are a key factor why fathers will or cannot take their leave entitlement. 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An increase in uptake will most likely result from an interlocking set of family policies that help dual earner families to combine work and family life in a sustainable manner.