Will McDonald - The Job Share Dad

Lockdown Dads

Our final guest on Lockdown Dads is Will McDonald, Group Sustainability and Public Policy Director at Aviva plc aka "The Job Share Dad."

As one half of the most senior male job share in the UK, Will is a bit of a hero in the dad space, shining a light on the rare world of job sharing (especially when it comes to men)

We learn about Will's path at Aviva and how a conversation about wanting to explore a job share became a work "marriage" to Sam that has lasted 4 years already.

We discover the principles of job share.

• You don't have to like your job share, but you do have to trust them.
• Sharing an email address or not?
• When in charge, take charge.
• You can only u-turn on your own decision.

And how to set up a job share

• Having imagination.
• The vital role of line manager support.
• Create confidence with a business plan.
• Talking to other job sharers
• 6 month escape clause

With his dad hat on (5 years as chair of trustees at the Fatherhood Institute), Will talks about Aviva and their flagship work equalising parental leave, removing the financial and cultural stigma of dad taking extended leave and the some of the benefits of supporting dads.

• Couples are less likely to divorce.
• Children are happier.
• Dads less likely to have issues with alcohol.
• Mums are likely to earn more.

TIPS

How to grow carrots effectively (!)
Imagination - start with a blank sheet of paper and be imaginative.
Notepad next to your bed.
The Fatherhood Institute report Lockdown Dads: The Untold Story

http://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lockdown-Fathers-Executive-Summary.pdf

McKinsey - Paternity Leave benefits
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/a-fresh-look-at-paternity-leave-why-the-benefits-extend-beyond-the-personal