Becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing moments anyone can experience. Recently, I had the joy of going through it all again with the birth of my second child. Like any pregnancy or birth, it comes with its fair share of stress and uncertainty. Fortunately, I work at Broster Buchanan, where they’ve recently increased paternity leave from two weeks to four, giving new dads more time to adjust to this major life change.
This change in policy wasn’t just great timing for me but also for my colleague, Alistair Illstone, who also welcomed the arrival of a little girl just days before me. I’m sure there are some businesses that would hold off updating a paternity policy, knowing that there are two expecting fathers in the team. It’s not every day you come across a company that updates its policies so promptly, and it’s one of the many reasons why I enjoy working at Broster Buchanan.
The first few weeks with a newborn are so important for bonding and settling into family life. Instead of feeling rushed to return to work after the usual two-week leave, I had an entire month to be fully present. That extra time allowed me to support my wife, get involved in daily routines, and truly connect with my daughter. It’s a period of my life I’ll always look back on with fondness.
At BB, work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of the company culture. I knew I could step away from my role for a few weeks without feeling any pressure or guilt, and when it was time to return, I felt fully supported by my team. Having that time to focus on family made all the difference, and I came back feeling refreshed and ready to face new challenges.
It’s clear that not every company is keeping pace when it comes to implementing policies to improve the culture of the business, but Broster Buchanan is definitely ahead of the curve. Extending paternity leave from two to four weeks shows how much they genuinely care about their employees’ well-being and families. It’s reassuring to know that I’m part of a company that values these key moments in life and takes action to support them.
I will also add that extended paternity leave is just one of the many benefits here at BB!
