Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s talk about something we all deal with—household chores and childcare. We all know that juggling work and home life can be stressful and unpredictable, and likely to end in someone crying. But the good news is: when responsibilities at home are shared more equally, everyone wins—at work and in life!
A fairer split of chores and parenting duties isn’t just good for families; it’s great for businesses too. When both partners pitch in, women can grab those well-earned career opportunities, and men get to experience the joys (and occasional terror) of full-on parenting. Plus, companies benefit from happier, more balanced employees—what’s not to love?
Luxembourg is leading by example with its fantastic parental leave policy. Each parent gets six months of paid leave, and it’s a “use it or lose it” deal—so no sneakily handing it off to your other half while you ‘focus on work.’ This means more dads are stepping up, embracing the baby-led weaning, Bluey marathons, and the art of assembling baby toys with the patience of a saint. Think of it like diversifying your investments—spreading the load reduces risk and increases long-term gains (in this case, a stronger bond with your child and a well-balanced family life).
“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to take parental leave for both my daughters, with each leave being tailored differently to meet the needs of my family at that specific time. It allowed me to be present for my girls while helping my wife transition back to work. In today’s world and the quest for equality, fathers stepping up for diaper duty is one small step at helping us achieve this goal – just don’t expect a few months watching Netflix!” – says John Russell, Director in Belasko Luxembourg Office
Much like investment funds, a well-balanced family strategy relies on proper asset allocation. If one person takes on all the work, you’re looking at an overleveraged portfolio doomed to collapse under pressure. But if both partners contribute equally, you get a steady return on investment—whether it’s bedtime stories, first steps, or finally mastering the art of installing a car seat without a meltdown. And let’s face it, investing time in family pays dividends that no hedge fund can match.
At the end of the day, fostering a work culture that supports shared responsibilities at home helps everyone. So, let’s celebrate progress, encourage equality, and make sure that fairness at home translates to fairness at work. After all, teamwork makes the dream work—both in the office and at home.
Author: Karolina Czerwonka, Fund and Corporate Officer based in Luxembourg
