HR expert explained the increase in the number of fathers going on maternity leave

In 2026, the share of fathers who took parental leave increased to 12% against 2% in 2020. Valentina Romanova, HR Director of the developer Level Group, told Izvestia on May 8 about the reasons for this trend and in which cases such a decision turns out to be the most beneficial for the family.

According to her, it's not only about changing social attitudes, but also about the family economy. According to the expert, in conditions of staff shortages and rising salaries, women in some areas are starting to earn more than their partners, so taking out a paternity leave becomes a rational financial decision.

"Legally, the father can take parental leave until the child reaches the age of three, in full or in part, instead of the mother. At the same time, the right to benefits remains if it is he who officially goes on leave," Romanova said.

As the HR Director noted, many people still confuse maternity leave and parental leave. Maternity leave can only be granted by a woman, but parental leave can be granted by a mother, father, grandmother, or other relative who actually cares for the child.

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According to the data hh.ru About 25% of women want to change their employer after maternity leave

The expert explained that the increase in the number of fathers on maternity leave is associated with several factors at once. The main reason is the change in income structure within the family. Today, it is not uncommon for a woman to hold a higher position or work in a field with rapidly growing salaries. If her income is significantly higher, it may be more profitable for the family for the man to temporarily take parental leave. This is especially noticeable in IT, marketing, PR, finance and management, the expert explains.

Another factor is the change in the rules and formats of employment. Today, a father can officially take parental leave and at the same time continue to work part-time or remotely, while retaining the right to benefits. Many people perceive the decree as a complete departure from the profession, but now the format has become much more flexible. Especially for office and digital professions. Employers are gradually adapting to the new family role distribution model, especially in large companies.

Despite the growing number of men on maternity leave, this has not yet become a completely widespread phenomenon. According to a survey conducted by the developer Level Group, almost half of Russians (46%) would like their father to take parental leave. Among men, the idea is supported much less often: only 6% are ready to go on maternity leave without a doubt, 35% consider this option only if necessary, and one in five admitted that they are not ready for it. In many areas, it is still psychologically more difficult for men to take parental leave due to corporate culture or fear of losing career positions. The amount of the allowance is limited by the established limit, therefore, with high salaries, the family may lose part of its income, regardless of who exactly takes the leave.

On May 7, it was reported that the maximum amount of child care allowance in Russia has increased fourfold over the past 10 years. Its amount is 40% of the average earnings of a parent who went on maternity leave, but the amount cannot exceed the established limit. In 2016, the maximum payout amount was about 21.6 thousand rubles per month. In 2026, the upper limit of the allowance exceeded 83 thousand rubles.