Despite prejudices

Managers are open to paternity leave

The majority of Austrian managers have a positive attitude towards paternity leave. This is the result of a survey conducted by the Austrian Institute of Family Research (ÖIF). At the same time, however, men who decide to spend more time with their child are considered less ambitious and are also less likely to be promoted.

The Austrian Institute of Family Research (ÖIF) wrote that a long presence at work is still seen as a measure of dedication to the job. Nevertheless, "the results of this study indicate that managers are flexible and willing to adapt."

In fact, absences from work of more than six months and part-time work are very rare among young fathers. According to the survey, managers prefer part-time work to paternity leave lasting several months. Those who reduce their working hours are seen as more ambitious compared to men with long absences.

Understanding for ordinary employees
Nevertheless, the majority of managers in Germany stated that they had a positive attitude towards paternity leave - surprisingly more men than women. Above all, ordinary employees whose knowledge is also shared by other colleagues are supported. There is less understanding for managers who want to take paternity leave.

"Studies show that a father's strong desire for a relationship with the child and for more time for the child is already socially accepted and has already been inscribed in parental role expectations," the ÖIF reported. At the same time, however, every second manager said that mothers are generally better suited to looking after the children. Half assume that family life suffers when the mother works full-time.

Traditional ideas continue to prevail
According to the authors of the study, this shows that stereotypes and gender roles are still getting in the way. In order to promote equality between women and men, traditional gender perceptions and norms of the ideal worker need to be broken down.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Federal Chancellery and the Ministry of Family Affairs. 412 managers, including 264 men and 148 women, took part.