Origin creates family-friendly workplace for fathers

Origin creates family-friendly workplace for fathers Although Fathers Day has passed, Origin continues to encourage new fathers to play a more active role in the first 12 months of their child’s life.   “As part of creating a family-friendly workplace, we want to enable all parents at Origin to be primary caregivers and take the time as needed to be part of this important first year,” said Jan Roden, Origin’s Head of Diversity. The data shows very low take-up rates by fathers of primary carer responsibilities in the first year of their child’s life. In 2016, only one male took primary carers leave at Origin, compared to 240 females. Leading the way forward is Muhammad Aziz, proud new Dad and primary carer to his one-week-old baby boy Hussain, born in September in Melbourne. “I can’t even begin to explain the complete satisfaction I feel when I am able to feed my son and settle him to sleep. It’s a beautiful feeling,” said the meter data analyst from Origin, whose wife was still recovering post labour and unable to lift the baby. “To be honest, it’s usually the mother who takes on the primary carers role but when it’s the father who takes on that role, you spend more time with your child, you do more for them, you become more attached and as a result, that father-child bond becomes even stronger. “I think it’s excellent that Origin is encouraging more fathers to take on that primary carers role and I’m so glad I’m in the position to be able to do this,” Muhammad said. Demonstrating the company’s commitment to diversity and equality, Origin offers equal access to parental leave and is encouraging new fathers to take up 13 weeks’ paid parental leave as the primary carer within the first 12 months of their child’s life. “In order to help close the gender gap, we’d like to see an increase in fathers taking primary carers leave. We are focussed on delivering flexibility for fathers to participate more actively as primary caregivers. “The best Father’s Day gift is not a new tie, a watch or a set of golf clubs, it’s time spent with children and family. We encourage fathers to take time away from work to be involved in parenting â€" especially in the precious first year of their child’s life,” said Jan.     About Origin  Energy Origin Energy is Australia’s leading integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation, renewables, and energy retailing. Origin is Australia’s largest energy retailer with 4.3 million electricity, natural gas, and LPG customers and has one of the country’s largest generation portfolios. Origin has a clear commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, publicly reporting against three voluntary targets: gender and equal pay measures for work of equal value, supporting women to remain at Origin and increasing the number of females in senior roles as a priority. Origin has also been recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. You can find out more about Origin Energy and apply for flexible jobs here (Republished  with kind permission from Origin Energy)