As one of the most progressive nations globally, the UAE has been actively promoting the concept of parent-friendly workplaces. Launched in 2021, The Parent-friendly Label Programme (PFL) is a significant initiative of The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, supported by UNICEF Gulf. This UAE-wide voluntary workplace award program allows organizations in the semi-governmental, private, and third sectors to earn a label for their commitment to supportive work cultures and policies that benefit children aged 0-8.
The program has seen the participation of nearly 100 organizations and over 148,000 employees across 25 industries. The ECA’s PFL program has positively impacted 59,947 employees in the UAE, 32,093 parents, 22,873 children aged 0-8, and 253 children with special needs. Parent-friendly organizations enhance employee morale and productivity. For instance, Mubadala introduced flexible working solutions during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing employees to adjust their hours and work remotely.
Mubadala’s benefits include child and special-needs education assistance, financial support for educational needs, and comprehensive health insurance for families. The company also offers extended maternity and paternity leave, nursing hours for new mothers, and compassionate leave for urgent family matters. Emirates Nature-WWF has followed parent-friendly practices since its establishment in 2001, offering policies like holistic maternity and paternity leave and a flexible workplace culture.
Tappy Toes Nursery has implemented parent-friendly policies since its inception, offering a free child seat in the nursery and understanding the gaps between workplace and family life. Parent-friendly policies create mutual trust and open communication, leading to higher employee retention and satisfaction. Mubadala has invested in fostering an inclusive, parent-friendly culture through various programs and facilities, promoting overall well-being and supporting work-life balance.
Annual employee engagement and wellness surveys at Mubadala confirm the positive impact of these policies. Internal surveys at Emirates Nature-WWF show that 90% of employees believe parent-friendly policies improve work productivity and overall well-being. The goal is to continue evolving supportive cultures and investing in employees, fostering inclusivity and supporting employee well-being.
