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A new wave of millennial fathers is pushing to share parenting duties equally with their partners, but workplace culture and longstanding gender norms continue to place significant barriers in their way, according to recent research and widespread expert commentary. This growing tension between the desire to be present fathers and the realities of contemporary work life raises essential questions for families, companies, and policymakers not only in Western countries but also in societies like Thailand, where gender roles and work cultures are rapidly evolving.

A growing number of millennial fathers seek equal parenting responsibilities, but long-standing gender norms and workplace cultures slow progress. The tension between being present at home and meeting professional demands matters for families, companies, and policymakers, including in Thailand where gender roles are evolving.

Data from international research show fathers with children under 18 spend more time on childcare than a generation ago, though the pace of change varies by country. Experts note that many millennial dads view parenting as a core part of their identity, yet workplace expectations can impede these ambitions and create stress for families.

A wave of AI adoption among global giants is driving layoffs and reshaping industries. Companies like Klarna, UPS, Duolingo, Intuit, and Cisco are accelerating automation to cut costs and boost productivity in an uncertain economy. This trend matters for Thailand, where services, manufacturing, and a growing tech sector could face similar disruption if AI adoption accelerates.

For Thai readers, the story is a practical wake-up call. Thailand’s economy relies on logistics, retail, finance, and tourism—sectors already embracing digital tools. How will automation affect jobs here, and what can workers and policymakers do to stay ahead?

A recent wave of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among global corporate giants including Klarna, UPS, Duolingo, Intuit, and Cisco is fueling a surge in layoffs, sparking growing concerns over employment security as automation reshapes entire industries. The trend has significant implications for Thai businesses and workers as the pressure to integrate AI and streamline operations intensifies across Southeast Asia’s largest economies.

An in-depth article by Forbes highlights the accelerating pace at which leading companies are deploying AI to cut costs, raise productivity, and remain competitive in an environment marked by economic uncertainty, inflation, and fluctuating stock prices (Forbes). The dramatic shift, once described as “employee friendly,” now presents a stark reality: human positions are increasingly vulnerable as AI-powered systems become capable of efficiently handling tasks that previously required large teams of staff.