Source: KhaleejTimes

UAE: Flexible work hours, free child care facilities make offices 'parent-friendly'

From free on-site child care facilities, to easing the transition back into the workplace for new mums, an increasing number of companies in the UAE are offering 'parent-friendly' services for their employees.

Some organisations in the UAE have been recognised for earning the Parent-friendly Label (PFL), for their parent-friendly policies and practices, including HSBC Bank, Visa, Masdar, Emirates Nature-WWF, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, Etihad Airways, Tappy Toes Nursery and Silal.

The PFL is a voluntary award program available nationwide, allowing semi-governmental, private, and third-sector organisations to receive recognition for their commitment to creating a supportive work culture, and policies that benefit children aged 0-8 years.

Earlier this year, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) introduced the third cycle of its Parent-friendly Label program and is currently accepting applications from organizations across the country until September 2, 2024.

Fatmah Alkaabi, Programs Manager - Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority explained the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) believes that being a parent and excelling at work are not mutually exclusive, but complementary as empowered parents are achievers at their workplace.

She said: “Applications (of companies) are assessed against 19 criteria across 5 categories, including the Family Care category which focuses on nursing support offered to new mothers, in the form of nursing breaks and availability of a private and hygienic maternity room.”

“The availability of dedicated facilities such as a children's corner or on-site childcare service, compliant with all applicable regulations, represents another key component of the Family Care category.”

Alkaabi also stressed that by allowing and supporting parents to bring their children to work, or offering them flexible remote work options, organisations can reduce parental stress. “This will have a positive impact on employees’ productivity and loyalty.”

For Cycle 2, a total of 75 organisations from 23 different industries applied for the label. The highest percentage of applicants came from educational institutions, making up 19 per cent, followed by professional services institutions at 15 per cent, and financial institutions and banks at 8 per cent.

On-site childcare facility

Tappy Toes nursery, an organisation which has earned the parent-friendly label, acknowledges the demands of employees when it comes to their children’s needs and is offering free childcare in the nursery, as well as discounts for selected schools.

Foram Gohel, Managing Director at Tappy Toes Nursery said, “We have on-site childcare facilities for children aged 45 days to 6 years old. We have partnered with schools, offering our team members educational support discounts, reductions and seats in all age groups.”

“When a new parent returns to work, they are offered unlimited time for nursing and caring for the young one. We ease them back to their role with additional staff providing support to the returning member, until they are fully settled in. We have partnered with mother and child care companies, which offer priority of service, and discounts on their products.

2024-08-06 05:26:22

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