“I Became a Dad, and It Wasn’t Just All About Work Anymore”: A Qualitative Study of Australian Fathers’ Work-Family Balance

Abstract Despite fathers’ increased involvement in parenting and the introduction of family-friendly workplace policies in Australia (i.e., flexible work, parental leave), fathers’ employment patterns have been resistant to change and work-family conflict remains prevalent. This study explored fathers’ perceptions and experiences of work-family balance, workplace policies and wellbeing, including before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 fathers between 2019 and 2021 and analyzed thematically. Findings illustrate the complexities of balancing work and family and the varied ways workplaces helped (or hindered) fathers to care for their children through access to flexible work and parental leave, and family-(un)friendly cultures. Fathers valued time with their children and retained jobs aligned with these values; however, achieving balance and negotiating work-care arrangements were ongoing processes for fathers and families. Fathers described how workplace flexibility benefitted their parenting and parent–child relationships, although views about how work shaped fathers’ wellbeing were mixed. This study contributes a nuanced understanding of the unique work-family challenges that shape the lives of Australian fathers and offers insight into how organizations can provide more equal opportunities for fathers to engage in work and care.