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_Dads of Knight Frank | Ryan Hendricks

Check out what working dad Ryan Hendricks has to say about taking paternal leave to help support his family.
Ryan Hendricks July 11, 2023

Ryan Hendricks, a Facilities Manager from our Asset Management Services team in Melbourne shares his experience of taking parental leave to look after his family.

"Following the news that we were expecting our first child made its way around the team, I was referred to our parental leave policy for some light reading."

""I hadn’t considered taking extended leave but following conversations with the People & Culture team and discussions with my wife, I made the decision to take 16 weeks of parental leave". 

"Putting my feelings of anxiety aside, I assumed the primary caregiver role for my son at 8 months old so that my wife could return to work. This would give me a chance to spend quality and valuable bonding time with my son during a time when he would experience rapid growth and development". 

"Being a new parent can often feel like an overwhelming experience, and nothing can fully prepare you for the realities of caring for a baby. It was a steep learning curve, and it took me many weeks to find my rhythm". 

"When I first started my parental leave, the days were long, but the weeks came and went quickly with weekly swimming lessons and GymbaROO sessions". 

"I spent the other days of the week going on multiple daily walks, visits to the park, and catching up with the grandparents". 

"Although I had various chores to do around the house, these tasks allowed me to spend quality time with my family during the week and on weekends where we would enjoy outings, day trips, and visiting family and friends".

"My parental leave experience was very fulfilling as it gave me invaluable time to further strengthen the relationship with my son and supported my personal growth for which I am a more accomplished father and partner". 

"I am thankful to Knight Frank for providing an inclusive culture and flexible working arrangements that have allowed me this opportunity to enjoy fatherhood".

Benefits at Knight Frank

At Knight Frank, we are creating a workplace and culture that drives and unites our team and gives us the collective confidence to think big and make it happen. 

We champion a diverse and inclusive workplace and offer our people a range of benefits so that they can bring their whole self to work each and every day.