The Tribune

During this past Sunday we paused to reflect on the important role men play in the lives of their children and, by extension, society. Research indicates that this is true even when a child’s mother is actively - and positively - involved in the life of the child.

A father’s participation exerts a distinct and independent influence on a child’s success in school and life. The benefits from fathers being engaged in the lives of their children are immeasurable, and businesses must join forces with society in promoting the presence of fathers.

We know that when fathers are involved in their children’s lives, they tend to:

• Learn more.

• Perform better in school.

• Exhibit healthier behaviour.

• Have fewer disciplinary problems.

• Be more likely to participate in extra-curricular activities.

• Enjoy school more.

Businesses, then, must employ a variety of strategies in promoting healthy Father-son/daughter relationships. Here are a few suggestions for companies to keep fathers engaged:

1. Offer paid paternity leave for fathers. Most men in this environment find themselves needing to take vacation or casual unpaid leave time when their wives or significant others are having their children.

Most men want to be in place and enjoy this major milestone in their lives, but find it cost prohibitive to do so. In some cases, when women have to undergo surgery during the birthing process and are unable to care of themselves for extended periods of time, fathers should be allowed to time to care for their wives.

1. Educate dads on the importance of their involvement in the lives of their children. Men are often not aware of how crucial their role is in the life of their children. When they are absent, children suffer and are left vulnerable.

Fathers must make the connection between their absence and the rate of crime, teenage pregnancy, suicide and HIV contraction. Male employee empowerment seminars assist in sending these life-changing messages to men.

1. Reward fathers for their active involvement in the lives of their children. Positive reinforcement helps. When dads are celebrated for their attendance at PTA meetings, and taking an active role in the academic and personal lives of their children, they have a tendency to do more of it.

2. Offer fathers family medical insurance that includes their wives and children. Men want to be able to shoulder their responsibilities. Companies who provide this benefit to their employees help to strengthen and improve family relations.

3. Improve the economic stability of fathers. Helping fathers improve their economic status by providing activities such as job training, employment services and career-advancing education only strengthens their ability to provide care and support to their families. This, in turn, allows men to be more validated and productive at work.

4. Provide Health and Wellness programmes for fathers, including Employee Assistance Programmes. Men are typically the last to visit the doctor, dentist and psychologist, or to seek any form of medical or mediation services. Companies that make it easier for men to access these services find great benefit in doing so: It benefits the men, their children and the company at large.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.