GITNUXREPORT 2025

Paternity Leave Statistics

Global paternity leave boosts equity, bonding, health, and family well-being worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The economic cost of not offering paternity leave in terms of health and productivity is estimated at billions annually in high-income countries

Statistic 2

Paternity leave duration varies globally from 2 days in some countries to over 52 weeks in others

Statistic 3

Paternity leave remuneration rates vary greatly, from 100% of salary in some countries to as low as 20%, impacting take-up rates

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Countries with extensive paternal leave tend to have higher gender equality scores

Statistic 5

Paternity leave can improve father-child bonding, with 85% of fathers reporting a positive impact

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Paternity leave tends to decrease maternal depression and improve overall family well-being

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Countries with mandated paternity leave generally see higher infant health outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates

Statistic 8

Research indicates that paternity leave policies contribute to higher gender equality in the workplace, with women returning to work sooner

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Countries with paternity leave policies report 12% higher workforce participation among mothers

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The fertility rate is higher in countries with generous paternity leave, with increases of up to 10%

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Access to paternity leave correlates with lower rates of postpartum depression among mothers

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Paternity leave can reduce gender wage gaps by promoting shared caregiving responsibilities, with gaps decreasing by 5-10% in countries with comprehensive policies

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Men's participation in paternity leave is positively associated with higher relationship satisfaction, with up to 80% reporting improved family dynamics

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Only 25% of countries worldwide offer paid paternity leave

Statistic 15

In the United States, only about 20% of workers have access to paid paternity leave

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Fathers in countries with paid paternity leave are 2.3 times more likely to take leave if it is available

Statistic 17

Only 15% of fathers in the U.S. take advantage of available paternity leave

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Paternity leave uptake among men is highest when policies are well-publicized and socially supported

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In Japan, paternity leave is available for up to 12 months but is underutilized, with less than 5% of eligible fathers taking leave

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In some countries, paternity leave is unpaid, resulting in only about 10% of eligible men taking leave

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In 2020, over 80% of men in Scandinavian countries took their paternity leave entitlement

Statistic 22

Sweden offers up to 90 days of paid paternity leave

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In Canada, paternity leave is available for up to 5 weeks, with pay

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In Norway, fathers are entitled to 15 weeks of paid paternity leave

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The average length of paternity leave in European countries is approximately 14 days

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In Australia, government-funded paternity leave is 2 weeks paid at the national minimum wage

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Finland provides 9 weeks of paid paternity leave for fathers, which can be transferred from parental leave

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The percentage of companies worldwide offering paid paternity leave has increased by 30% over the last decade

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In Germany, fathers are entitled to 2 months of paid paternity leave, with optional extension

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Key Highlights

Only 25% of countries worldwide offer paid paternity leave
In the United States, only about 20% of workers have access to paid paternity leave
Sweden offers up to 90 days of paid paternity leave
Fathers in countries with paid paternity leave are 2.3 times more likely to take leave if it is available
In Canada, paternity leave is available for up to 5 weeks, with pay
Only 15% of fathers in the U.S. take advantage of available paternity leave
Paternity leave duration varies globally from 2 days in some countries to over 52 weeks in others
Countries with extensive paternal leave tend to have higher gender equality scores
Paternity leave can improve father-child bonding, with 85% of fathers reporting a positive impact
In Norway, fathers are entitled to 15 weeks of paid paternity leave
Paternity leave tends to decrease maternal depression and improve overall family well-being
Countries with mandated paternity leave generally see higher infant health outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates
Paternity leave uptake among men is highest when policies are well-publicized and socially supported

Did you know that only 25% of countries worldwide offer paid paternity leave, yet nations with generous and well-publicized policies see higher father involvement, improved family well-being, and stronger gender equality?

Economic Implications of Paternity Leave

The economic cost of not offering paternity leave in terms of health and productivity is estimated at billions annually in high-income countries

Economic Implications of Paternity Leave Interpretation

Neglecting paternity leave isn't just a missed bonding opportunity—it's a costly oversight that chips away at health and productivity, costing high-income nations billions each year.

Geographical and Cultural Variations in Paternity Leave

Paternity leave duration varies globally from 2 days in some countries to over 52 weeks in others
Paternity leave remuneration rates vary greatly, from 100% of salary in some countries to as low as 20%, impacting take-up rates

Geographical and Cultural Variations in Paternity Leave Interpretation

These stark disparities in paternity leave duration and pay highlight how cultural values and economic policies shape fatherhood, with generous, well-remunerated leaves encouraging more active participation—yet in many places, the gendered default still nudges new dads toward the sidelines.

Impact of Paternity Leave on Society and Families

Countries with extensive paternal leave tend to have higher gender equality scores
Paternity leave can improve father-child bonding, with 85% of fathers reporting a positive impact
Paternity leave tends to decrease maternal depression and improve overall family well-being
Countries with mandated paternity leave generally see higher infant health outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates
Research indicates that paternity leave policies contribute to higher gender equality in the workplace, with women returning to work sooner
Countries with paternity leave policies report 12% higher workforce participation among mothers
The fertility rate is higher in countries with generous paternity leave, with increases of up to 10%
Access to paternity leave correlates with lower rates of postpartum depression among mothers
Paternity leave can reduce gender wage gaps by promoting shared caregiving responsibilities, with gaps decreasing by 5-10% in countries with comprehensive policies
Men's participation in paternity leave is positively associated with higher relationship satisfaction, with up to 80% reporting improved family dynamics

Impact of Paternity Leave on Society and Families Interpretation

Countries that prioritize generous paternity leave not only foster healthier families and lower mortality rates but also pave the way for greater gender equality, improved workplace dynamics, and even higher fertility rates—proving that investing in dads truly pays off for society.

Participation Rates and Corporate Practices

Only 25% of countries worldwide offer paid paternity leave
In the United States, only about 20% of workers have access to paid paternity leave
Fathers in countries with paid paternity leave are 2.3 times more likely to take leave if it is available
Only 15% of fathers in the U.S. take advantage of available paternity leave
Paternity leave uptake among men is highest when policies are well-publicized and socially supported
In Japan, paternity leave is available for up to 12 months but is underutilized, with less than 5% of eligible fathers taking leave
In some countries, paternity leave is unpaid, resulting in only about 10% of eligible men taking leave
In 2020, over 80% of men in Scandinavian countries took their paternity leave entitlement

Participation Rates and Corporate Practices Interpretation

While the data shows that countries with paid, well-publicized paternity leave enjoy higher fatherly participation—like Scandinavia's 80% uptake—the global landscape still reveals that limited access and social stigma leave many fathers on the sidelines, indicating that paternity policies alone won't change the game without cultural buy-in.

Paternity Leave Policies and Duration

Sweden offers up to 90 days of paid paternity leave
In Canada, paternity leave is available for up to 5 weeks, with pay
In Norway, fathers are entitled to 15 weeks of paid paternity leave
The average length of paternity leave in European countries is approximately 14 days
In Australia, government-funded paternity leave is 2 weeks paid at the national minimum wage
Finland provides 9 weeks of paid paternity leave for fathers, which can be transferred from parental leave
The percentage of companies worldwide offering paid paternity leave has increased by 30% over the last decade
In Germany, fathers are entitled to 2 months of paid paternity leave, with optional extension

Paternity Leave Policies and Duration Interpretation

While Sweden leads the global charge with up to 90 days of paid paternity leave, the stark contrast with the European average of just two weeks highlights that many countries are still playing catch-up in recognizing the importance of shared parental responsibilities—and perhaps prompting some to ponder whether cash incentives or cultural shifts are the real game-changers.