Earmarking Postnatal Leave For Fathers

This literature study provides an overview of experience in the Nordic countries with earmarking postnatal leave for fathers and the factors which affect parents' postnatal-leave behaviour.
While the other Nordic countries have earmarked longer periods of postnatal leave for fathers, Denmark is exceptional in only having reserved 14 days for the father in connection with childbirth.
Nordic experience shows that more fathers take leave if it is earmarked for them, but that they rarely take the leave which is available to either parent.
Several factors explain how parents allocate postnatal leave. If pay compensation is available, more fathers are encouraged to take leave. It is important that allocation to fathers cannot be transferred to the mother, but the period of leave should also be flexible as to when it can be taken.
The study shows that earmarking can set standards and have a normalising effect for when fathers take leave. Earmarking also sets the limit for what is considered an appropriate length of leave.
The literature study was commissioned by the Ministry of Employment.