Dads Still Struggle with Work/Family Balance

An additional 19% said they have checked work voicemail or e-mail during their children’s events. Twenty-one percent feel their work has had a negative impact on their relationship with their children.  

According to a press release, leaner staffs and heavier workloads have dads putting in longer hours away from home. One-in-five (22%) report working more than 50 hours per week on average, up from 19% last year. Two-in-five (39%) spend two hours or less with their children each day, 16% spend one hour or less.   

In addition, dads often have to take the office home with them after putting in a full day at the office. Twenty percent reported they bring home work at least three days per week.   

On the upside, the financial situation for U.S. families may be improving with more dads back at work. The majority (84%) of working dads who have been laid off over the last 12 months say they have found full-time employment.   

The survey also found that while dads still struggle with finding work/life balance, fewer are willing to give up the breadwinner role post-recession. One-third (33%) of working dads who are not the sole financial provider for their household said they would quit their jobs if their spouse or significant other made enough money to support the family, down from 44% five years ago.