Dads at Work
Dads at Work helps employers support new parents as they transition into becoming Mums and Dads. We are experts at supporting fathers and work with organisations to co-design an approach that meets their needs, no matter what the size or industry. We offer three levels of engagement:
Consulting, Training, Events & Programs.
Australia has some pretty alarming statistics around new Dads:
41%
Of new dads did not seek information or support from any source during stressful times.
56%
Feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities to their family.
41%
Of first-time dads saw anxiety and depression after having a baby as a sign of weakness.
39%
Of first-time fathers experienced high levels of psychological
distress in the first year of their child’s life.
But, there’s good news…
Research shows that being supported in their role as a father at work reduces stress and increases the likelihood that men will seek help when it is needed, rather than waiting until it's too late.
It also makes good business sense.
When new Dads are supported it's not just their families that benefit. When employee wellbeing is high, productivity and engagement also increase dramatically.
The cost of not treating antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety for births in 2012 was estimated at over $500million for one year, with $310million associated with productivity loss and absenteeism, and $45million attributed to reduced workforce and economic participation.
Investment in workplace initiatives could save Australia more than $4.5 billion in lost productivity
So with research finding that investment in workplace initiatives could save the nation more than $4.5 billion in lost productivity, it makes a solid business case to look at ways to support new Dads.
Our Services
1. Training
We have a range of different up-skilling and training programs including:
This 4-part series is created to introduce fathers in the workplace to essential fatherhood topics and evidence-based support programs. These interactive workshops require active participation from participants, whether online or in-person, to maximize the program's benefits.
You can either purchase the complete 4-part series pack or individual workshops. Expert facilitators will guide the discussion and provide evidence-based strategies to help fathers feel supported in their parenting journies.
By the end of the series, participants will have a deeper understanding of the challenges working dads face and tips you need to balance your career, family life and their health. They will also be provided with exclusive support pathways to specialised partner services and programs to help them on their journey.
Who should consider this program? Workplaces who have fathers in their workplace and are seeking to better support them both transitioning and continuing work using evidence based supports.
Benefits of programs? Workplaces are addressing the key mental health needs of staff and supporting them in genuine and meaningful ways, fathers and families are better supported.
Keywords: Workplace Mental Health, Family Cohesiveness, Childhood Development and Healthy Attachement, Evidence Based, Interactive
This facilitated workshop is about transitioning to fatherhood and how to balance a career with family responsibilities as a working dad. This is an interactive discussion, exploring how to successfully integrate career and family life alongside personal wellbeing. This is your chance to get some great advice from other working dads who have been there and know what it’s like to raise a family in modern times.
This Facilitated workshop introduces the importance of Mental well-being, Self Care, Hobbies, Physical Excercise and connection.
Support Pathways: Starting a Dads Group, connecting with another Dad, active community groups
This Facilitated workshop covers attachment Theory, Practical Connections, Age based activities, Rough and Tumble Play - Support Pathways: Community Dads Group and playgroups.
Better relationships, Mental Load, Phones and Screen time, Date Nights and Fun - Support Pathways : Talked
Specifically for new and expecting parents this course has been co-designed with midwives and mental health experts to deliver emotional preparation for parenthood for fathers and for mothers.
Dads Night In, is a face to face interactive session for fathers, expecting fathers and father figures. We provide a comfortable and safe facilitated space to share and learn about being a father, relationships, balancing life and access to support for fathers, their partners and infants. We bring insights and research that help frame the transitions to fatherhood
This Introductory session is especially designed for new and expecting dads to learn and share helpful tips and information to help you in the the beginning of your fatherhood journey.
The below sessions are priced based on a discussion of your organisation's specific needs and goals, ensuring that you receive a customised and effective training solution.
Parenting Panels
We will bring in a panel of our industry experts and facilitate a live panel discussion around the impact that workplaces can have on the transition to parenthood. These 1-2 hour sessions can be targeted to your executive leadership team, or specific audiences and we also suggest capturing them and using as ongoing content.
Exec Up-skilling
A 45 min session that inform executives on the transitional nature of parenting in Australia through a fatherhood lens. These sessions help senior executives understand the importance of empowering their workforce in their transition to parenthood.
2. Events & Programs
Engaging Fathers Program — for workplaces
This program takes the proven model of Dads Groups and facilitates it within workplaces. New fathers have lunch together with their infant/child. This can be at a frequency of your choice and aims to deliver to your workplace the same positive outcomes we have seen for fathers and families of 'DGI' Dads Groups.
Man with a Pram
MWAP is an event designed to raise awareness around the challenges that new fathers face — to celebrate them and start the conversation about how we can better support them. We'll work with you to co-host a Man with a Pram event, where Dads with babies and toddlers will walk together (the whole family is invited) and gather at a bbq or social event.
First Aid for Parents
Working with one of our partner organisations Ksafekids we can provide First Aid programs specifically for new fathers and mothers.
3. Consulting
We've partnered with some of the best organisations in Australia to develop father-friendly initiatives and training materials — that actually work. This includes a partnership with the University of Sunshine Coast, to research the most effective, evidenced-based methodologies for reaching and supporting new Dads.
Our fatherhood experts are available to help your HR team find solutions that work for you:
Developing strategies to increase employee satisfaction for new and expecting fathers
Developing best practice solutions for fathers returning to work from paternity leave
Advising on initiatives for ongoing support of fathers
Once-off consulting sessions or ongoing partnerships
Find out more
If you’d like to hear more about how your organisation can partner with Dads Group to better support new parents, please get in contact.