Ram heads environmental sustainability, part of the Godrej Industries Group’s Good & Green function, which works to achieve the group’s sustainability goals and build a greener India. He’s also a new father late last year. “Quite a tumultuous journey,” he recalled. "What was really helpful was how supportive the entire organisation is. Not just in terms of policies, but also the overall environment and mood they create around you. You’re never made to feel like you’re adding a burden to the team. Everything feels geared towards supporting you in this important step in your life." 

Caregiving benefits for employees frequently focus on maternity policies, targeted at primary caregivers and women who give birth. But secondary caregiver or paternity leave fulfils a crucial function, too: not only by giving fathers and non-birthing parents the opportunity to bond with a new member of the family, but by creating an environment conducive to sharing parenting duties, and creating a more equitable balance of care within families. Having a work culture supportive of this transformation can make a huge difference. “That really reduces the nervousness or fear of stepping into this new phase,” Ram said. 

He also acknowledged the critical role of management in supporting new parents. "Unless your manager has faith in you and trusts that you will manage work despite the additional responsibilities, and also provides you with the resources and flexibility to work on your terms, it can be challenging.” The early days of fatherhood have been “a whirlwind,” he said. He wouldn’t miss a minute of it. "For many fathers who are working or traveling, missing these milestones -- the first time your child crawls, or the first time the child sits up, or the first time your child says a word --  can be a real challenge," he said. "Additionally, for many women, returning to work after a year of caring for a child can be challenging, particularly if there isn’t a work-from-home option.” 

 fully. "It’s really important to spend that time with your family during this period," he concluded. "Overall, having supportive policies and a culture that prioritises family can make a fantastic difference in navigating this new chapter of life."