Corona Leave

I wonder if one of the positive consequences of this coronavirus will be the partial ‘paternity leave’ imposed on men by schools closing and many being forced to work from home. Perhaps this increased presence in the home and with the kids will lead to men being more inclined to take on their 50% share of the childcare responsibility and household jobs, which would be a radical change versus today when they take on around 20% of this work on average.

All the research says there are huge long-term benefits when men take paternity leave. Equality at home means women have more time and capacity for their careers, which drives equality at work. It also creates equal and stronger relationships, as each parent experiences and appreciates the work that goes in to looking after the home and family: one of my friends told me it was a life-changing experience for him which gave him a whole new level of respect and love for his wife.

So maybe this difficult time can be a catalyst to press the reset button for any couple who are not already equally sharing the load at home.

Let’s take any positives out of this that we can.