Paternity leave proposals boost employee motivation?

Date: 18/01/2011

Changes to paternity leave could lead to an increase in employee motivation, as fathers could get ten months off work after they have a new baby.

Nick Clegg has been a strong campaigner for the plans, which will attempt to get rid of 'Edwardian' family values, as he has often spoken about his desire to be a more 'hands-on father'.

The changes mean that parents will be able to split almost all of the 12 months maternity leave.

Announcing the plans for consultation in the coming weeks, Mr Clegg said: "Right now, most parents simply do not have the flexibility they need.

"Despite the fact fathers can request flexible working, many feel reluctant to do so. There is still a stigma attached.

"And, when a child is born, men are still only entitled to a paltry two weeks of paternity leave."

He said that the current rules patronise women and marginalise men.

And the government has also called for the system to take into account the needs of employers, after business leaders criticised the proposals as "a complete minefield" yesterday.

Andrew Cave, of the Federation of Small Businesses, spoke up for the interests of employers, saying: "Maternity leave is already the most complex aspect of employment law for many businesses and this risks making it a complete nightmare."

Posted by Jo Morgan 

Related Articles:

Employee motivation: Staff see improvement in work-life balance
Employee motivation: Letting staff watch key Olympic events could boost morale
Employee motivation: Workplace pride defies recession
Employee motivation: Staff wellbeing toolkit launched
Employee motivation: How to spot a good employer

 

› Return