I work in an industry which is notorious for overwork. In that capacity part of my job is to manage a number of people, some of whom have become fathers over the years.

But when I congratulate them on the news and then ask them how long they're planning on being out, they almost always target a week or two, even though they would get fully paid leave at our firm for up to eight weeks. That's six to seven weeks getting left on the table. I have to fight every time to advocate for them taking the full time.

There is a very real stigma against taking paternity leave. About one in seven people even think it shouldn't exist. The United States is the only high-income country in the entire world that doesn't offer paid family leave, and it's a disgrace. Those people are wrong.

Dads: Take the leave. Take the time. I'm begging you. I understand not everyone is working at a firm that offers paid leave, but for those that do, you should always take the maximum leave possible. Also, remember that paternity leave also kicks in for adoptive fathers in many cases — it isn't just for birth events.

In cases where leave is not paid, the Family Medical and Leave Act still applies. The FMLA protects you when:

• You're an employee
• You've worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months
• You work at a location where the company employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles

and your job is protected during your leave and upon your return.

So, if you can, please do take the maximum possible leave.