What Is Paternity Leave and How Can it Work for You?

Use our guide to learn how paternity leave for men works and which companies offer the best paid leave policies.

By Venus Gentile, Monster Contributor

There's no overstating the pride and excitement of becoming a dad. The birth or adoption of a child marks the beginning of an extraordinary time in your life. And while this significant life transition can be an enriching experience for you, it also brings challenges. A shift in your priorities and a change in lifestyle can take some adjusting to, but your new little bundle of joy is undoubtedly worth it. So, the most important question is, how can you get time off work to care for your baby? Paternity leave could be the answer.

Thankfully, support is growing globally for paternity leave, but it can be a complex topic to navigate and understand. In this article, we explain the process of paternal leave, the current laws in the U.S., and companies offering the best leave policies and benefits for new fathers.

What is Paternity Leave?

Paternity leave is an employee benefit granted to fathers of a newborn or newly adopted child. It aims to allow new dads to bond with and care for their new child. Being allowed this time together can also help support the parent's and child's physical and emotional well-being.

The concept has gained significant attention as a growing number of fathers want to take an active role in raising their children. However, many fathers still face significant barriers to taking time off, such as lack of access to paid leave, fear of negative job consequences, and societal expectations about gender roles and caregiving responsibilities. In fact, only 5% of new dads in the U.S. take two or more weeks of paternal leave.

Paternity Leave vs Maternity Leave

These are both forms of leave that parents take to care for their newborn or adopted child, but there are some differences concerning how they work. Although both men and women are eligible for unpaid FMLA leave, only women can qualify for paid short-term disability benefits in relation to childcare.

And under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, employers must treat a pregnant woman the same as someone who goes on leave for a broken leg. Employers are also less likely to offer paid paternity leave to men, and if they do, it typically lasts only a few weeks.

What are the Benefits of Taking Paternity Leave for Men?

There are many advantages of taking paternal leave, meaning it can contribute to the well-being of both fathers and their families as a whole. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Bonding with your child: The early years of a child's life are critical for establishing a strong parent-child bond. By taking paternity leave, you can spend quality time with your newborn or newly adopted child, which can help strengthen this bond. This can have long-term benefits for both of you, including improved emotional connection and communication, better mental health outcomes, and improved academic and social growth for your child.
  2. Supporting the mother: Pregnancy and childbirth can be physically and emotionally challenging for mothers. When you take time off from work, you help alleviate some of the caregiving responsibilities during this time. It can help reduce stress and create a more positive and supportive family environment.
  3. Promoting gender equality: Traditionally, women have shouldered most family caregiving responsibilities. By encouraging fathers to take an active role in raising their children, paternity leave can help promote gender equality in parenting roles. This can help break down traditional gender stereotypes and contribute to a more equitable distribution of caregiving duties.
  4. Improving child development: Research has shown that fathers who are involved in their children's lives have a positive impact on their children's development outcomes. Spending time with your child can establish a strong foundation for your relationship, which can have long-term benefits for your child's emotional and cognitive development.
  5. Improving mental health: Parenthood can be a stressful and challenging time for new parents, and fathers are no exception. When you take parental leave, you are more likely to experience lower stress and anxiety levels than those who do not, which can contribute to improved mental health outcomes for you and your family.

How Long is Paternity Leave?

How much paternity leave are fathers entitled to depends on numerous factors. Sadly, only a handful of U.S. states mandate paid leave, offering anywhere from 12 to 18 weeks of time off. And the availability and length of the average paternity leave varies depending on your employer and state of residence. Some companies offer paid leave as part of their benefits package, while others may offer only unpaid or no leave at all.

However, you could be eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This federal law provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child. But not everyone is covered by the FMLA. You can apply only if you’ve worked for your employer for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours. And your employer must have at least fifty workers based within a 75-mile radius.

Is Paternity Leave Paid?

So, do fathers get paid paternity leave? Again, the answer is subject to various factors, including the state in which you live. In some states, eligible employees can receive a portion of their regular pay while taking paternity leave through paid family leave programs.

The amount of pay is typically a percentage of your regular salary, although some states provide leave at 100% pay. Contact your state labor office to find out if any applicable laws are in effect in your state and if you qualify.

If you’re a federal employee, you can receive paternity leave pay under the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA). It allows you to receive 12 weeks of paid parental leave (PPL) under an amendment to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to care for a child or adopted child born or placed in your care on or after October 1st, 2020. However, you’ll still have to meet specific FMLA eligibility requirements.

Does Short Term Disability Cover Paternity Leave?

Unfortunately, short-term disability does not cover paternity leave following the birth of a child. It only applies to expectant mothers. But you may be able to use accrued paid leave such as vacation or sick leave instead. Therefore, it’s important to check with your employer or insurance provider to see if you’re covered under specific policies or if you qualify for any other form of paid leave benefits.

What are the Laws Around Paternity Leave in the U.S.?

At present, you may be eligible for FMLA for paternity leave, although unpaid. This is the only federal governing law for paternity leave in the U.S. However, some states require employers to make paid leave available to their employees.

California

The state's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program allows qualifying expectant parents up to eight weeks of paid leave. You may receive up to 60% to 70%of your weekly wages earned five to 18 months before the start date of your claim.

New York

New fathers may receive up to 12 weeks of paid time off through the state's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program and can collect up to 67% of their usual pay up to a cap.

Massachusetts

This state provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid time off under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML.) Eligible employees must have earned at least $5700 in the preceding 12 months before applying.

New Jersey

Employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid leave under the Family Leave Insurance (FLI) program. New fathers may receive up to 85% of their weekly wage. However, eligibility is limited to workers that earn at least $240 per week.

Rhode Island

The state's Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program provides eligible fathers up to 60% of their wages for a maximum of 30 weeks. Currently, new parents can secure up to $978 per week.

Washington

Parents are entitled to 12 to 16 weeks of paid parental leave under the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. Employees may receive up to 90% of their weekly wage, with a maximum payment of $1427 per week.

Connecticut

The CT Paid Leave Act (CTPL) program provides up to 95% of an eligible employee's weekly wage. You'll receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave benefits if you qualify.

District of Colombia

The DC Paid Family Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. This benefit pays up to 90% of a worker's average weekly income with a maximum weekly pay of $1009.

How Do U.S. Policies and Laws Compare to other Countries?

While the U.S. has made some progress to expand paternity leave policies, it still needs to catch up with many other developed countries. In fact, only 21% of workers in the U.S. have access to paid parental leave through their employers. In contrast, 63% of countries worldwide provide guaranteed paid parental leave for fathers.

For example, Japan offers 30 weeks of paid parental leave that only the father can use. South Korean fathers have access to 15 weeks, while dads in Sweden have 11 weeks at their disposal. Other countries with relatively generous paternal leave policies include Canada, Spain, Finland, and Iceland.

How to Apply for Paternity Leave

The application process may vary depending on your employer and the specific policies in place. However, here are some general steps you can take to apply:

  • Before applying, it's important to understand your employer's policies and procedures for requesting leave. This information may be available in an employee handbook or through your HR department. You can also contact your state labor office for more information.
  • As soon as possible after your child's birth or placement, inform your employer of your intention to take paternity leave. Some employers may require a certain amount of advance notice.
  • Your employer may require you to complete certain forms to request leave. These may include a request for leave form, a medical certification form, your child’s birth certificate, or other documentation.
  • If your absence will impact your team or department, it's important to work with your employer to arrange cover while you’re on leave.

How to Write a Paternity Leave Out-of-Office Message

An out-of-office message is a professional communication, so keep it brief, clear, and professional. With a well-written message, you can ensure that your colleagues and clients are informed about your absence and can contact you, or a designated contact, if necessary. Here are some tips on how to write your message:

  1. Your subject line should indicate that you are out of the office on paternity leave. This will help ensure that the recipient notices and reads your message.
  2. Be sure to include the dates that you will be out of the office, both your start date and your return date.
  3. In case urgent matters need attention while you’re away, it's crucial to provide an alternate contact to assist the recipient. Be sure to include their name, email address, and phone number so the recipient knows how to reach them.
  4. Finally, end your message with a positive and professional note. Thank the recipient for their understanding and support. Let them know you look forward to reconnecting with them upon your return.

Here's an example message:

Subject: Out of office – on paternity leave

Hello!

Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office on parental leave, spending time with my newborn child and family. I will be away from the office starting on (date) and returning on (date). During this time, I will not have access to email or phone.

If you require immediate assistance, please contact (Name and email/phone number of colleague or supervisor). They will be happy to help you. Otherwise, upon my return, I will respond to your email as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this exciting time for my family.

Best regards,

(Your Name)

Companies With the Best Paternity Leave Policies

While paternity leave is becoming more common in the U.S., the average amount of paid leave companies allow is sadly only 17 days. So, if you're considering a new addition to your family and a potential new job, check out these ten companies with excellent parental leave policies for new fathers.

Amazon

What they do: Amazon is a global technology company focusing on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.

Number of Employees: Over 1.5 million

What they offer: New dads get six weeks of fully paid leave.

Find Amazon jobs on Monster.

Fannie Mae

What they do: Fannie Mae serves homebuyers, homeowners, and renters by creating solutions that expand equitable access to affordable housing.

Number of Employees: 7,500

What they offer: Twelve weeks of paid parental leave is available to eligible fathers.

Find Fannie Mae jobs on Monster.

Johnson & Johnson

What they do: Johnson & Johnson is a multinational corporation that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods.

Number of Employees: 155,000

What they offer: Expectant fathers are entitled to twelve weeks of paid parental leave.

Find Johnson & Johnson jobs on Monster.

Apple

What they do: Apple is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, tablets, personal computers, and portable and wearable devices.

Number of Employees: About 165,000 full-time employees

What they offer: New dads can take six weeks of paid leave.

Find Apple jobs on Monster.

American Express

What they do: American Express is a multinational financial services corporation specializing in credit cards, travel, personal savings, business services, and insurance.

Number of Employees: 77,000

What they offer: Up to twenty weeks of paid parental leave.

Find American Express jobs on Monster.

Google

What they do: Google is a multinational technology company focusing on computer software, cloud computing, e-commerce, search engine technology, and consumer electronics.

Number of Employees: 190,000

What they offer: New dads receive eighteen weeks of paid parental leave.

Find Google jobs on Monster.

Facebook

What they do: Facebook is the world's largest online social media networking service.

Number of Employees: 87,000

What they offer: Four months of paid leave, which fathers can take all at once or intermittently within one year of the child's birth or following adoption.

Find Facebook jobs on Monster.

Bank of America

What they do: Bank of America is a multinational investment bank and financial services company.

Number of Employees: 217,000

What they offer: New dads can take up to sixteen weeks of paid time off.

Find Bank of America jobs on Monster.

Uber

What they do: Uber provides transportation, ridesharing, and merchants' delivery services.

Number of Employees: 32,000

What they offer: New fathers can take at least eighteen weeks of fully paid parental leave in one or two blocks over twelve months.

Find Uber jobs on Monster.

Pfizer

What they do: Pfizer is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation.

Number of Employees: 83,000

What they offer: Twelve weeks of paid leave over a period of two years.

Find Pfizer jobs on Monster.

Find a Job That Supports Your Parenting Needs

Paternity leave is important for you and your family. Make sure you work for a company that values and endorses it just as much as you do. If your employer doesn’t offer the paid parental leave you need, Monster is here to help you find one that does. Start by signing up for a free profile. Members get access to career advice, interview insights, workplace trends, and job search tips.