Fatherhood in America has evolved, with many fathers taking a primary role in caring for their children while working virtually from home.
Many recruitment research companies are recognizing that work-life balance now ranks high on potential candidates’ lists when seeking out new job opportunities. Some of the highest-rated companies in the U.S. for work-life balance include Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, Raytheon, American Express, Honey Baked Ham, Pfizer Inc., and Cisco.
According to the Pew Research center, the number of stay-at-home Dads has grown significantly in recent decades, as they see parenting as a part of their identity. Dads are just as likely as moms to say that parenting is extremely important to their identity. Some 57% of fathers say this, compared with 58% of mothers. Most dads seem to appreciate the benefits of parenthood – 54% report that parenting is rewarding all of the time, as do 52% of moms. Meanwhile, 46% of fathers and 41% of mothers say they find parenting enjoyable all of the time.
After 20 years in consultative and solution sales working away from home, Duffy Group VP of Strategic Partnerships Paul Madonia, Jr. is now enjoying the benefits of the work life balance that the company culture offers. Paul enjoys spending time with his family and church, watching wildlife from his home in Pine, and frequently visits the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. He is a devoted father and advocate for two special needs sons, and a diehard Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Cubs fan.
“I am grateful that Duffy Group promotes work-life balance as it provides me the opportunity to spend more quality time with my family and care for our two special needs sons,“ said Madonia, Jr.
Duffy Group’s work from home program gives team members the flexibility of managing their day-to-day activities, with home office support that offers the tools to conduct day-to-day operations. A result of this benefit is increased productivity, team member satisfaction and retention. Duffy Group was one of the first to innovate and lead an entirely remote workforce in the 90’s. In the first ten years, most of the employees were primary caregivers who wanted to work while their children were in school. Today with aging parents, life-threatening illnesses of spouses and children, changes in marital status, our environment and culture support the employee and figures out how they can care for their family and still continue to work in their profession.
“Working remotely has other benefits as well,” said Madonia, Jr. “I find myself much more productive and better focused on serving our clients while having the flexibility to be the father I’ve always wanted to be.”
According to FlexJobs, a site that promotes virtual job opportunities, the top sectors offering work life balance are executive recruitment, health care, high tech, education, training, sales, customer service, and finance.