All new parents and caregivers deserve the chance to step away from work and spend meaningful time caring for and bonding with their young children.  

The Benevolent Society is committed to creating a supportive, family‑friendly workplace, where secondary caregivers are encouraged to take leave and be present during those crucial first months.   

When parents of all genders and family structures take parental leave, the benefits extend well beyond the home - strengthening family relationships, contributing to healthier workplaces, and building more connected communities.   

This International Women’s Day (8 March), with the theme Balance the Scales, we’re highlighting how shared caregiving supports gender equality. When men step into early caregiving - like our Advanced Child and Family Practitioner, Josh Wilson - they help drive real equity for women, families, and workplace. 

“I felt completely supported. I was provided with more than enough information around how and when I could take leave and what my leave entitlements were,” Josh says. “I was very open about wanting to take longer leave to spend as much time with my family as possible.  This was very well embraced by my managers and team.” 

Image: Josh pictured with his new baby Frankie and his eldest, Ailah.

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) research review found that perceptions of workplace support are a key factor in whether men and secondary caregivers take leave — and that they’re far more likely to use their entitlements when their co‑workers do the same. 

“It’s a precious, sacred period at home whilst adjusting to what can only be described as an intensely chaotic and richly rewarding experience,” said Josh.  

And while returning to work adds another layer of adjustment on top of parenting responsibilities, Josh felt genuinely supported by his team throughout this stage. 

“I have nothing but praise as I was well supported when returning to work. I received so much interest from my team on how I was going, how my wife was travelling and how our little bubs and our eldest daughter were all getting along,” he added. 

Nurturing a family‑friendly, supportive workplace 

Benevolent is committed to creating a genuinely family‑friendly workplace where people feel supported through every stage of life. 

“Primary caregivers can feel so lonely at times, and dads need longer at home to be more involved with their family. Thankfully I was very well supported to take additional leave, so take as much as your lifestyle and situation allows,” Josh advises.  

“Being a new dad comes with a level of responsibility unparallelled. Which is a blessing and at times, a tight rope that needs to be respected,” added Josh. 
 
Those who join Benevolent have access to a range of benefits designed to help employees balance work, family and wellbeing, including: 

• Paid parental leave, with the option to use it as make‑up pay when you return to work. 
• Recognition of kinship relationships for personal leave. 
• Paid Domestic and Family Violence leave. 
• A corporate discount of up to 15% at Goodstart Early Learning Centres. 
• Perinatal counselling services through AccessEAP. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career at Benevolent, click here.