Work-Life Balance for Dads... Why It Matters More Than Ever

The conversation around balancing life and work is still more common for women than men in today’s society… but men’s concerns about their own lack of balance are rising fast.

The data backs this up. The National Study of the Changing Workforce found that between 1977 and 2008, the percentage of mothers in dual-earner couples who reported work-family conflict grew from 41% to 47%, while the percentage of fathers reporting it grew dramatically from 25% to 60%.

The biggest challenge for both men and women? Feeling torn between responsibilities at work and at home.

We frequently hear about women being asked in interviews how they’ll juggle motherhood and work, while men are rarely asked the same. And while that inequality is frustrating, it’s also revealing… because it highlights where internalised beliefs and cultural expectations are still driving behaviour.

So how can men help shift this dynamic?

Let’s start with a personal story.

My husband is a senior leader who actively strives to blend work and life. Growing up, his father was a highly successful building entrepreneur who worked long hours. My husband remembers deeply missing his dad during those early years. That experience shaped his values: he made a vow that if he ever had children, he would make them a priority—no matter what.

And he has. In every role he’s taken since becoming a father, he’s designed for flexibility. He’s built his days around what matters most. He works hard and leads a successful team… and he’s also a hands-on, fun and deeply connected dad (and husband).

He embodies what I call the work-life blend, not balance. It’s not about keeping two parts of life separate—it’s about integrating both with intention and presence.

So how can more men create this kind of blend?

Understanding archetypes can help.

An archetype is simply an idealised role model. The mother archetype is nurturing and caring (focused on care), while the father archetype is supporting and providing (focused on money). These archetypes live in all of us, regardless of gender.

But here's the catch: many men have not been encouraged to embrace their inner nurturer, and many women have not been encouraged to embody their inner provider. This creates the modern-day tension where women often undercharge for their work… and men struggle to carve out space to care for their families.

To truly blend work and life, we need both archetypes.

As more men give themselves permission to care, to prioritise family, and to step into that nurturing role, we’ll start to see the shift. Balance won’t be something we chase—it will become something we co-create, at home and in the workplace.

What kind of balance are you modelling for your children?

Want to create a conscious family life where both parents feel empowered, connected, and valued? Start with exploring our Stressed to Best Parent Method