Parental leave: The organisational benefits beyond ‘time off’

As I prepare to take paternity leave, I’ve been reflecting on why this time truly matters for those around me. For my family, it’s about being present at a formative stage in my daughters’ lives - laying the foundations for the years ahead and deepening the relationship we will carry forward together.

I’ve also been considering what this means for my colleagues at Artemis. Parental leave doesn't just support families; it fundamentally strengthens an organisation by building trust: trust that the firm fully supports me in stepping away, and trust that my colleagues are empowered to carry things forward.

While parental leave is often seen as a personal milestone and journey, it is also a powerful organisational strategy that shapes culture, builds resilience, and supports long‑term success. When businesses embrace parental leave, they send a clear message to staff and clients alike: we value people as whole human beings, not just as workers.

From the outset, the encouragement for my choice to take paternity leave was immediate, genuine, and proactive. The consistent support and patience from my colleagues and leaders allowed me to focus on my new role as a father, while bringing my full self to work.

In a small-to-medium consultancy like Artemis, the absence of one person can feel significant. I know my leave will mean adjustments for the team, but these moments also create opportunities. In the lead-up to my leave, we’ve focused on sharing skills, strengthening resilience across the team, and putting systems in place for the future - changes that will continue to benefit us well beyond my return. Flexibility and empathy are not just values here - when harnessed thoughtfully, they become real competitive advantages.

Ultimately, supporting parental leave isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s a smart investment. It strengthens culture, enhances reputation, and ensures that employees return with renewed energy and perspective. That’s good for families, good for people, and good for business.

I’m grateful to be part of an organisation that sees parental leave as more than just time off. I look forward to bringing back a fresh perspective and contributing within a team that consistently puts people first – both in how we support one another and how we serve our clients.