For Dads, More Family Time Means Greater Job Satisfaction

It turns out quality time with the kids isn’t just good for children—it’s good for dads, too. A recent study reveals that fathers who spend more time caring for their children report greater job satisfaction and less conflict between work and home life.

The study, published in the February issue of Academy of Management Perspectives, shows that men who increase their time spent on child care actually feel more fulfilled in both their professional and personal roles. These dads not only feel better about their family lives—they also feel better about their jobs.

Before increasing their family time, many fathers in the study spent less than an hour each weekday with their kids. That’s significantly lower than the 1.86 hours that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports for women on a typical workday.

But when dads bumped their daily average to 2.65 hours on weekdays, something changed. These men reported higher job satisfaction and more positive feelings about how work and family life fit together. Many agreed with statements like, “My involvement in my work helps me be a better family member.” The data showed that up to a point, the more time they spent with their children, the more connected and enriched they felt across both home and work roles.

And it wasn’t just a short-term emotional boost. Fathers who were more engaged in their children’s lives were less likely to quit their jobs, suggesting a deeper sense of balance and contentment that contributes to long-term career stability.

The study challenges the old assumption that more time with family automatically takes away from job performance. In fact, the opposite may be true: fathers who feel more connected at home carry that sense of purpose and satisfaction into the workplace. They may also benefit from lower stress, better focus, and improved emotional well-being—all factors that contribute to stronger performance and fewer feelings of burnout.

Researchers suggest this could be a valuable insight for employers looking to retain talent. Supporting work-life balance for dads, such as through flexible scheduling or family leave policies, could help increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover.

The takeaway is clear: when dads are given space to be more present at home, everyone benefits—including their kids, their employers, and most importantly, the dads themselves.