Notably, the social networking giant allows its employees in the United States to take up to four months of paid paternal leave which they can e used all at once or throughout the period of the newborn’s first year.
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“Priscilla and I are starting to get ready for our daughter’s arrival”, the CEO and co-creator wrote on Facebook, referencing his wife Priscilla Chan and the upcoming Child of Zuck.
Zuckerberg, 31, did not say who would be running the company while he is out. A male CEO setting a good example by taking a proper paternity leave.
“This is a very personal decision”, Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page, along with a picture of a stroller, a yellow baby carrier and his dog, Beast. However, many advocates continue to point out that paternity leave is only part of the problem.
Mayer took over as Yahoo chief in mid-2012, shortly before giving birth to a son.
His paternity leave post follows a wider wave of discussion in the tech world this year about time off policies. Better policies would need to ensue, and much like what Facebook has done – it provides a better opportunity for people to succeed at work.
Zuckerberg first announced the pregnancy in July, when he shared a surprisingly personal post detailing the couple’s struggles with miscarriages.
Meanwhile, Facebook’s chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg in response to Zuckerberg’s paternity leave announcement said,”Enjoy the precious early months with your daughter – I can’t wait to meet her”.
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Zuckerberg’s decision to take ample time off, rather than working throughout, may just show other technology executives and employees it’s okay to do the same. While this will lead to more men undoubtedly considering taking paternity leave, it is proof that for both men and women more significant change is needed to make the climate more comfortable for people to feel as though they will not be challenged or punished professionally for taking it.
