E China proposes extending paternity leave for five more days

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Are you an expecting father but in trouble for not having enough time to be with your family?

You don't have to worry much now, at least if you're living in Jiangsu Province. The eastern Chinese province is proposing to give expecting fathers at least five more days of paid paternity leave, in addition to the usual 15-day period.

The extra five days are granted to help new dads take better care of their newborns along with their wives.

This is the first time such a proposal has been put forward in China. But its implementation will not be mandatory. Instead, companies capable of offering compensation for at least five extra days to male workers are encouraged to do so.

Father with his baby. /Photo via Getty Images

The proposal has been well received by. Some men CGTN interviewed said they are satisfied with the new policy, stating that five days do make a difference. Meanwhile, others had higher expectations, noting that they could use a whole month off work so they can better take care of their babies.

Mothers who have been previously through pregnancy can only be happy about the new policy as well, as more burdens and chores surely require more helping hands.