Working dads may be bringing home a share of the bacon, but they are working harder to get it done, according to survey results released today by Monster . Sixty-one percent of dads polled bring work home every week, a seven percent increase over last year. However, many of these fathers are conflicted: 75 percent of dads surveyed believe that bringing work home interferes with a parent's relationship with his or her child. Additionally, 73 percent would be a stay-at-home parent if money were not an issue.


The survey also found that fewer dads are taking advantage of paternity leave benefits because they feel they cannot financially afford it (38 percent, down eight percent over last year) or because they feel too busy at work (27 percent, up 13 percent over last year). Among those working fathers who were offered paternity leave, just 51 percent used it, down seven percent over last year.


"We are seeing a lot of conflict among working dads - they are as committed as ever to being good fathers, yet at the same time, they are working harder and bringing more work home, said Peter Castrichini, vice president of compensation, benefits, and HR operations, Monster. "Employers should be cognizant of the squeeze these workers are feeling, and make certain they are developing and marketing appropriate work/life benefits within their recruitment and retention initiatives.



What Working Dads Want

Only 41 percent of working dads surveyed think their employers provide sufficient benefits for working fathers, indicating a strong desire for work/life balance among this group of employees.


Above all other work/life related benefits, working fathers most appreciate a flexible work schedule (52 percent), followed by the ability to telecommute (32 percent). When considering a new job, 88 percent view employers more positively if they offer flextime benefits; 85 percent if they offer paternity leave benefits.



Methodology

The Monster Intelligence Father's Day survey was conducted June 2, 2008 via targeted online distribution to Monster's database of full-time employees. Results were recorded from 1,073 full-time employees, including 428 working fathers and 362 working mothers. This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. Monster Intelligence is the careers and recruitment research initiative of Monster.com.