Sharing the care - Dan’s story Dan Chulakovski joined ING in 2022 as Business Manager to the Chief Risk Officer, after spending several years in senior management roles across financial services. At the beginning of 2024 he and his wife and his wife welcomed their daughter into the world, and Dan initially took eight weeks parental leave to share the care at home. This is his story.

When Dan found out his wife was pregnant, he was originally a little hesitant about how much parental leave to take. He said: “In the past, there’s been a bit of stigma attached to men taking time off. It crossed my mind. Would it impact my career? How would I be viewed by team members?”

He credits the support from his leader, Chief Risk Officer, Praveen Khurana for helping him come to the right decision. “Praveen made it easy for me. He said, work is work, but this is a benefit you’re entitled to, and memories and moments you’ll remember forever.”

That, along with supportive team members who were willing to step up, empowered Dan to take the time off so he could be present for his new family at home.

The ability to switch off from work and focus on parent life was something he refers to as ‘absolute gold’. 2023 was a busy year for Dan, juggling work commitments, looking after his pregnant wife and moving into a new home, ready for their impending arrival. Spending a solid eight weeks doing nothing other than looking after their new baby girl took some getting used to.

“It took a bit of time to unwind and slow down, but then I really enjoyed settling into this new dad life, connecting with my partner and watching our little girl grow.”

As well as learning new skills like changing nappies and assembling flat pack furniture, Dan was happy to be there to support his wife and share the mental load in the first few weeks of their daughter’s life.

“You read the stats on some of the mental health challenges mothers experience postpartum. I was just glad I could be around, to be that support if she needed it. I think she really appreciated that.”

Dan also credits having the time away from work, for giving him a new perspective and energy when he returned in March this year. That, coupled with ING’s approach to flexING has meant he’s able to balance his work and home life commitments.

“I came back feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to hit the ground running. After all, ING gave me an opportunity to look after my family when I needed to. This is a great place to work.”

Since becoming a father, Dan’s advice to expectant parents is simple:

“Just enjoy the experience. Whatever you do, do with a smile on your face. Be grateful. It makes everything much easier.”