<\/p>\n
Men are better fathers when they have good conditions at work, our research shows, suggesting a need to rethink the terms of the jobs that fathers perform.<\/p>\n
Autonomy, job security and some flexibility in working hours and scheduling all improve men\u2019s mental health. Fathers whose workplaces provide these key qualities are warmer, more consistent and less irritable with their children, we found in our study of 10,000 Australian families.<\/p>\n
Our findings suggest that policy makers and employers could improve workplaces to support family life, even if total working hours can\u2019t be reduced.<\/p>\n
We studied families in Australia, where fathers\u2019 working hours have remained stubbornly long\u2014they currently average 47 hours a week, and 20 per cent of fathers working more than 55 hours. Many new fathers actually increase their hours to compensate for new mothers\u2019 loss of earnings. Most fathers want to spend more time with their children and be more engaged with them. There is also a societal expectation that they should do so. However, workplaces typically do little to accommodate this aspiration; policy focusses mainly on family-friendly supports for mothers.<\/p>\n