Embracing Fatherhood and the Importance of Paternity Leave

Dear All,

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my partner, Katie, and I are expecting a baby boy, with a due date of May 21st. To say we are both “excited” would be a complete and utter understatement! Here I am writing this message with the grin of a Cheshire Cat! :)

As the MD and Founder of Foundations, a small recruitment business. There are a few points that I would like to raise as I share this message with employers.?

Starting next week, I will be taking an agreed minimum of three weeks off to fully focus on my family and adjust to our new reality. During this time, I am confident that the incredible team at Foundations will continue to provide the exceptional service and support our clients have come to expect.

Writing this has also led me to reflect on the importance of paternity leave and the evolving landscape of employee benefits, particularly within the tech industry. Especially as candidates increasingly prioritise work-life balance, companies that offer comprehensive parental leave policies as part of a comprehensive benefits package are positioning themselves as attractive employers. Paternity leave can often be a benefit that doesn't get spoken about.

Paternity leave offers numerous benefits for both families and businesses. By allowing Fathers to take an active role in the early days of their child's life, it promotes gender equality and encourages a more equitable distribution of childcare responsibilities. This, in turn, can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved mental health, and a more engaged workforce.

Moreover, companies that encourage good work-life balance through benefits like paternity leave often experience lower turnover rates, higher productivity, and enhanced employee loyalty. By demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of employees and their families, businesses can foster a positive company culture and attract top talent in a competitive market.

As the tech industry evolves, companies must recognise the value of offering comprehensive parental leave policies. By?doing so, they not only support their employees during significant life events but also contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate work environment.

Here at Foundations, we are passionate about creating a work environment that values and supports its employees and the?likes of any parental leave are certainly no different. As a small but agile business, we collectively share our mix of mindful opinions (and gut feelings) regarding policies and schedules to something agreeable to the whole team and nothing is set in stone when we continue to think collectively. What is offered to one, is offered to all.

I for one am grateful for the opportunity to take leave and spend quality time with my family. I encourage all businesses to take the positive impact of offering such benefits and to prioritise the work-life balance of their employees.?

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to returning to work with renewed energy and perspective. I would like to say well rested, but I think we all know what's in store!

Best wishes to you all,

Gyles Whitnall

Founder and Managing Director

Foundations-Exec.com

Contacts in my absence:

- Laurence Connor - Operations - [email protected]

- Sam McCully - Head of Delivery - [email protected]

- Mitch Crossan - Head of 360 - [email protected]