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From 2016-2019, 66.5% of men “took some form of leave” following the birth of their first child – compared to 96% of women. This is a significant increase for men over decades, but still men typically take off shorter periods than women and usually take paid time off versus unpaid leave.
When fathers take paternity leave, they help equalize the long-term career and salary prospects of women earners, which can help to close the gender wage gap. Additionally, men who take paternity leave have reported strengthened partnerships at home, more energy at work, an early foundation for an equal distribution of responsibilities, improved finances, and lifelong bonds with their children.
To promote progress in combatting the many societal norms that enable inequity, the Department of Labor is working to normalize paternity leave by raising awareness about what benefits are available and how paternity leave can positively impact families and the career and salary prospects of women earners.
