MAKING A DIFFERENCE : ONE BUSINESS’S APPROACH: Making Family Life Easier for fathers
A model program at the Department of Water and Power helps fathers learn about parenting in a non-threatening environment.
BACKGROUND:
While most corporations give at least lip service to helping families, the DWP is one of the few with programs specifically aimed at helping men handle the challenges of fatherhood.
“This is the type of thing that employers must do to compete for the best (employees),” said DWP General Manager Daniel Waters. “We worry about our customers. But employers have to worry about their employees. They are better employees if they don’t have to worry about what are they going to do with the kids today.”
The DWP began offering family care programs in 1987. They’re now utilized by 29% of the company’s employees.
WAYS THAT THE DWP HELPS FATHERS 1. BIRTH ALERT:
Expectant fathers can borrow beepers so that they can be reached right away when a spouse goes into labor.
2. FATHERING INTO THE ‘90S:
Information sessions and guest speakers.
3. BREAST-FEEDING COACHING CLASSES:
Helps dads take a greater role in the first weeks after birth.
4. SUPPORT GROUPS:
Help father vent their frustrations--and share their triumphs.
5. MENTORSHIP:
Dads with experience provide practical help for newer fathers.
Other: Lamaze classes; Expectant parent workshops; Tips for Dads newsletter; Reduced-cost downtown childcare; Parenting workshops; Infant CPR and safety training; dad’s Department resource library.
THE BENEFITS:
Helping fathers worry less about their children is helping them at work, said program director Yolie Flores Aguilar. For instance, she says, turnover among those who use these and other family-oriented services is lower than among employees who do not.
Part of the program’s success stems from its convenience. Fathers can take advantage of programs during lunch hours or after work. Sharing among workplace friends creates a supportive environment.
ONE PERSON’S STORY:
George J. Fogelson
Budget and administrative analyst in the Department of Water and Power:
I think the roles of fathers have definitely changed. The father (once) came home and he spent maybe 15 minutes with his children. I think today’s father realizes he wants to be as involved with his children as he possibly can.
One of the hardest things is that you’re kind of thrown into the parenting role, without a lot of experience as to what to expect. I never realized what hard work it is. You have stress at your job, but you can have just as much stress at home with your children. (But if) you want to do the best for your child, then you want to learn best how to do it. I’ve used the father’s support group and the support group for parents with children up to 5 years old. I’ve gone to seminars. They have a clothing exchange, field trips. It’s so convenient.
A COUNSELOR’S ASSESSMENT:
Raymond E. Castro
Program consultant
How did we learn to become a dad? The truth is that we studied if from our fathers. (The DWP program) is not so much to teach as to give the opportunity to learn more about fathering. We create the setting for fathers to come together. There is a level of openness and real level of sincerity that they approach this with. It doesn’t happen sitting in a bar over a few beers.
THE NUMBERS:
Percentage of DWP Employees Who Use Family Services: 29% (more than 3,000 people.)
Percentage of users who are men: 44%
Number of Birth Alert users: 127
Fathers in expectant parent workshops per year: 80
Overall job turnover at DWP (1988 Figures): 12%
Turnover among those taking part in the family programs: 7%
Source: Department of Water and Power
Percentage of Fortune 500 companies that offer seminars on family and work issues: 26% Percentage that offer family support groups: 5.3%
Percentage offering discounts for childcare: 4.8%
Source: Families and Work Institute, New York
