#USA #Family Support #DECKED #Dad Time Off #Ketchum

DECKED Revives DTO Program for Working Dads

With Father's Day on the horizon, DECKED has announced the return of its Dad Time Off (DTO) program for the second consecutive year. This initiative aims to support working fathers in the U.S. who struggle to balance work duties with the important moments in their children’s lives. The DTO program will select 100 dads to receive reimbursement for a full day of lost wages, valuing at $500, allowing them to spend precious time with their kids without the financial burden.

According to DECKED, a staggering 65% of U.S. fathers have reported that they have had to miss significant events or activities with their children due to work obligations. This trend is even more pronounced among blue-collar and younger dads, with nearly half of blue-collar fathers (48%) feeling the pressure of financial strain when considering taking time off to participate in family activities.

“After engaging with working dads this past year, we realized that our DTO initiative needed to return in 2026,” explained Bridget Noonan, Senior Brand Director at DECKED. “In 2025, the program helped 100 fathers create lasting memories with their children, yet the underlying issue persists. Our goal with DTO is to raise awareness and encourage employers to adopt more flexible time off policies, empowering fathers to prioritize their families.”

A New Study on Fatherhood

To evaluate the challenges faced by working dads today, DECKED commissioned a study focusing on the emotional and financial strains associated with parenthood. The findings revealed harsh realities; 54% of fathers cited financial limitations as the reason for missing vital family moments. Alarmingly, 24% of dads acknowledged that they missed their child’s birthday celebration due to work-related obligations in just the past year.

Notably, Gen Z fathers are feeling the heat, with 65% admitting they face financial pressure when needing to step away from their jobs for family matters, in sharp contrast to the 41% of all fathers surveyed. Noonan pointed out that the data shines a light on a troubling truth: “For many fathers, especially those in skilled trades and at the beginning of their careers, taking a day off can be a significant financial challenge.”

How to Participate in DTO

Completely open for nominations, DECKED’s DTO program allows anyone to either nominate themselves or others for the chance to receive a day of paid leave. For 2026, nominations will be accepted until June 21 at decked.com/DTO. DECKED will carefully assess all entries and choose 100 fathers who will each be compensated $500 for their day of lost earnings.

Participants in the DTO program from last year engaged in a wide range of activities with their families, from fishing to skiing, visiting amusement parks, and spending quality time over meals. One previous DTO winner, Brandon Helm, shared his heartfelt experience: “It was a truly special opportunity to step away from a hectic schedule and connect with my daughter. When I asked her what she enjoyed most about having me home for the day, she said it was all about playing together and exploring Colorado.”

The DTO initiative stands as part of DECKED’s ongoing commitment to supporting fathers in balancing work with family life. Providing a buffer against the often-pressured environment of work, DTO aims to remind companies of the importance of family-friendly policies. DECKED remains dedicated to delivering quality products designed to aid those who prioritize being prepared, all proudly made in America and backed by thousands of 5-star reviews.

About DECKED

Founded in 2014 and based in Ketchum, Idaho, DECKED specializes in crafting durable storage solutions for a variety of users, including tradespeople and families. With production facilities located in Defiance, Ohio, the brand emphasizes efficiency, safety, and convenience in making the most out of working and lifestyle needs. To explore more about their offerings, visit decked.com.