Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Vadim
In a progressive move towards work-life balance, an increasing number of UAE companies are adopting parent-friendly policies. From offering free on-site childcare to implementing flexible work hours, these organizations are setting new standards for employee support in 2024.
The Parent-Friendly Label: Recognizing Supportive Workplaces
The Parent-Friendly Label (PFL), a voluntary award program available nationwide, is recognizing companies for their commitment to creating a supportive work culture. Notable recipients include:
- HSBC Bank
- Visa
- Masdar
- Emirates Nature-WWF
- Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management
- Etihad Airways
- Tappy Toes Nursery
- Silal
Key Features of Parent-Friendly Workplaces
- On-Site Childcare Facilities: Companies like Tappy Toes Nursery offer free childcare for employees’ children aged 45 days to 6 years.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Visa, for instance, allows flexible hours for parents to attend medical appointments or school pick-ups.
- Nursing Support: Dedicated, hygienic spaces for new mothers to nurse their babies.
- Phased Return to Work: Visa offers a one-month phased return program for employees coming back from parental leave.
- Educational Support: Partnerships with schools to provide discounts and priority admissions for employees’ children.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Guidance through webinars and articles on parenting and work-life balance.
The Impact on Employees
Employees who have benefited from these policies report:
- Increased job security
- Smoother transition back to work after parental leave
- Improved work-life balance
- Enhanced loyalty to their employers
Zeenath, a Tappy Toes employee, shared: “The management supported me to start my career and my son’s education. They built my confidence, my career, and prepared my son for ‘big’ school.”
The Business Case for Parent-Friendly Policies
Fatmah Alkaabi, Programs Manager at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), emphasizes: “Being a parent and excelling at work are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. Empowered parents are achievers at their workplace.”
By reducing parental stress, these policies can lead to:
- Increased productivity
- Higher employee loyalty
- Improved company reputation
Growing Trend Across Industries
In the second cycle of the PFL program:
- 75 organizations from 23 different industries applied
- 19% of applicants were educational institutions
- 15% were professional services institutions
- 8% were financial institutions and banks
Looking Ahead: PFL Program Cycle 3
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has launched the third cycle of its Parent-friendly Label program. Organizations across the UAE can apply until September 2, 2024.
Conclusion
As more UAE companies recognise the value of supporting working parents, we’re likely to see a shift in workplace culture. These parent-friendly policies not only benefit employees but also contribute to organisational success, creating a win-win situation for both employers and their workforce.
For companies looking to enhance their employee support systems, the Parent-Friendly Label program offers a framework and recognition for implementing these forward-thinking policies.
Vadim Kouznetsov is a distinguished entrepreneur and the visionary founder and CEO of JobXDubai.com, the UAE’s rapidly expanding job board. Renowned for his expertise in bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities, Vadim has become a leading authority in the recruitment and job market of Dubai.
His innovative approach to matching candidates with their ideal roles has propelled JobXDubai.com to the forefront of the industry, making a significant impact on the region’s employment landscape.
Through his work, Vadim Kouznetsov has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing the job search experience, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the field of recruitment.