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Our society is shifting from the notion of the man as the sole breadwinner. Paternity leaves, in this context, are extremely invaluable. A paternity leave application allows new fathers time off to spend with their growing families. It gives them the chance to bond with their new baby while caring for their partner.  

In the long term, paternity leave benefits not only the employee but also the employer. It has been noted that taking parental leave has positive effects on employee morale and productivity.  

Despite concerns about paternal leave’s impact on their careers, many fathers have embraced it wholeheartedly. This is because fathers have noticed a positive impact on their relationships with their partners and their children. 

As a result, private sector companies have started to introduce paternal and parental leaves. According to a survey, about 57% of the large enterprises in India offer 2 or more weeks of paternity leave. Meesho, for instance, has a 30-week parental leave policy in place. Similarly, Razorpay and Twilio offer 30-day and 12-week paternity leaves, respectively. 

Before drafting an email for paternity leave, check your HR policy documents. These documents will have details regarding your paternity leave eligibility. The company’s leave policy should also specify the paternity leave duration you are entitled to.  

Did you know that a universal paternity leave policy does not exist in India? Government policies entitle a government employee to fifteen days of paternity leave. Private employees, however, are subject to their company’s internal leave policy.  

So, before you submit your application for paternity leave in India, check with your company’s HR Department. Once you have confirmed your company’s paternity leave policy, draft a mail to your supervisor.  

Samples of Paternity Leave Application  

Here are a few samples to help you draft your paternity leave letter: 

Paternity Leave Application Format Sample 1 

Subject: Paternity Leave Application- Vikram Sarabhai

Dear Rupali,

I hope you’re doing well. I am writing to you to request a 15-day paternity leave. My wife is in her last month of pregnancy and is expected to deliver our child soon. Her due date is set for 19th March 2023. I am requesting 15 days off starting from 19th March to 2nd April 2023.

I need to be at home to look after my wife before the delivery. Given some complications in the pregnancy, she has to be on bed rest until the delivery. She will also need help managing our newborn during her recovery period. As our parents are elderly, they cannot fly over to help us.

I have completed all the urgent tasks assigned to me. I have briefed Ms. Ratna Kumar and Mr. Rajesh Kulkarni from my team on my responsibilities. The team has my contact details in case of any emergency. I can be reached via email and phone.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could cooperate with me in this matter. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

Vikram Sarabhai
Emp ID – 9999
Marketing Executive
Email: VikSarabhai@mail.com
Mobile: (+91) 787 787 7878

Paternity Leave Application Format Sample 2 

Subject: Request for Paternity Leave- Ravi Verma 

Dear Sahil, 

How are you doing? My wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on 19th March 2023. So, I need to be at home to help my wife during her recovery Taking time off will also allow me to spend time with my newborn daughter. I request you grant me leave between 19th March to 2nd April 2023.

I have finished all essential tasks and handover requirements. Be assured that my absence will not affect the progress of projects under my supervision. My colleagues are well aware of what to do during my absence.  

In an emergency, they have also been informed to reach out to me at raverma@mail.com. I will also be available by phone at (+91) 343 343 3434. If required, I will be available to provide support part-time or online.  I would appreciate it if you could accept my request for leave. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  

Regards, 

Ravi Verma 
Account Manager 
Email: raverma@mail.com  
Mobile: (+91) 343 343 3434 

Paternity Leave Application Format Sample 3 

Subject: Paternity Leave Request 

Dear Chandan, 

I hope you are doing well. My wife and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl on 19th March 2023. In accordance with company policies, I would like to utilize my paid paternity leave.  Please schedule my leaves between 19th March to 2nd April 2023. Depending on my family’s needs, I may need to extend my time off. 

My apologies for the short notice. While I had notified my manager of my impending leave in advance, my original planned dates need to be rescheduled. This is because the baby arrived earlier than expected. She is also likely to spend time in the NICU due to her sudden arrival. I have attached documents of admission with the email for your reference. 

I am currently handing over my responsibilities to Ms. Shruti Malhotra. My team will be able to reach me via email at armnkh@mail.com. In case of emergencies, my team can also contact me at (+91) 121 121 1212. 

Thank you for your understanding. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. 

Regards, 

Armaan Khan 
Email: armnkh@mail.com  
Mobile: (+91) 121 121 1212 

Tips to Apply for Paternity Leave  

While drafting your paternity leave request, there are certain points you need to keep in mind. 

• Firstly, make sure that you give advance notice to your company and managers. It is important to be clear about your intention to avail your paternity leaves. Make sure your management is well aware of it before sending a paternity leave mail. 

• Another important point is to mention the duration of your leave. Indicate if your leave is expected to extend beyond the company-mandated paternity leave duration. Provide the expected dates during which you’ll be out of the office. Having this information will help your team and management prepare for your absence. 

• End the email by providing emergency contact details. In case of emergencies, your management should know if you will be available to help. Provide options for contacting you via messaging apps, emails, or phone calls. 

• When writing the paternity leave mail to your manager, keep it short and to the point. Start with the intent of the email. Follow it up with the duration and dates of your leave. Plan earlier and prepare your team in advance. Decide earlier on who would take over your duties until you return.  

• Ensure your handover documents are in order. This is just in case you are required to take paternity leave earlier than planned.  

Related: Perfect Application for Leave: Tips and Formats

Importance of Paternity Leaves 

Paternity leaves allow both parents time to bond with their newborn. Furthermore, it promotes the notion that child care is a shared responsibility. After all, baby care is not solely the responsibility of one parent. 

Spending time with your family can also boost the bond between you and your partner. Partner support during this stressful time contributes immensely to the stability of a relationship. Having both parents share the responsibility of care eases the stress of new parenthood.  

Today, private companies are taking progressive steps to include paternity leaves in their policies. Employers are increasingly introducing family-friendly policies. These policies allow parents to care for their children without compromising their careers. For companies, in the long run, it will help improve employee retention, productivity, and efficiency.  

But, before you apply for paternity leave, make sure to check with your HR department. Your company’s paternity leave policy may differ from others.  

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