Flexible Parental Leave, a Dad’s Story at MSD

Flexible parental leave, a dad's story at MSD

Dylan and his son Ted

We are proud of our Parental Leave policy that enables all parents at MSD to access Parental Leave regardless of their caregiver-status. At MSD, our colleagues can take paid parental leave flexibly to suit the different needs of them and their families. Our equitable Parental Leave approach is an important component of our commitment to gender equality both within and outside the workplace.

Our enhanced Parental Leave has been in place since 2021, and we are proud to hear of the impact that this has on our employees.

Dylan Stanyer, Production Lead Technician at our MSD manufacturing facility in Bendigo, has been able to make use of the policy in order to meet the needs of his family as they navigate parenthood.

Dylan and Jordy’s story – from one to three kids

Dylan shares that when he and his wife Jordy decided they wanted to start a family, there were plenty of unknowns. He shared, ‘to prepare myself as best I could, I began reading heaps for the first time since leaving school. Not the typical what to expect… type of books, but autobiographies by professionals who were also fathers.’

At first, Dylan chose to utilise full-time paid parental leave 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the due date, to suit the nature of his role. ‘I could be in cleanrooms and not as readily accessible as one would hope to be with a baby arriving any day.’

‘Looking back to our first child we were lucky enough to welcome Theodore (Ted) in our lives close to his due date. The first few weeks were great to spend as a family, finding a routine that worked for us before I returned to work, soaking in the moments as he developed.

I returned to full time work for the following 6 months, thankfully only a handful of sleepless nights over that time and many colleagues supported me in ensuring I wasn’t spending too much excess time on site for the non-urgent issues.’

Part-time paid parental leave

Today in order to look after their three children, Dylan and Jordy use their paid parental leave on Mondays, creating a three-day weekend. “Having Mondays has been a game-changer,” Dylan says. “We can be productive and social on weekends, then really be a family on Monday.”

Dylan is continuing a four-day week through 2026, staying connected with his team and stretching hours when processes need it. Flexible arrangements are more accepted, and his early starts mean he can do daycare pickup four days a week and be home for late afternoons and evenings.

Home life is busy in the best way: early mornings with Frankie (usually with Disney songs), feeds with Trixie, and Lego with Ted, especially anything with wheels. Sleep is variable, but “you take what they let you have.”

Switching off from work has improved. A dedicated work phone helps protect family hours, though he’ll clear small tasks on weekends to stay ahead. Lists (upon lists) and caffeine keep things moving.

Ted took to being a big brother well, the focus now is joining him in imaginative play and looping in Frankie.

Dylan’s updated advice for expectant non-birthing parents: enjoy the quiet when you find it, and anchor a family day if you can. “Mondays give us space to reset, be present, and make memories.” Don’t be nervous about taking leave, the team will adapt, and the time is precious.

He’s grateful for the support around him: “My direct team of Arlene, Ayon, and Jacinta along with my manager Chris have been supportive and encouraging,” he says, extending thanks to the Bendigo Production team for backing flexible work and family-first choices.

_AU-NON-00908 _{Updated January 2026}