Flexible work policies adopted by 35 per cent ‘parent-friendly’ UAE organisations
New report sheds light on the benefits for working parents, children and organisations
Abu Dhabi: Nearly 35 per cent of organisations that applied to participate in the UAE-wide Parent Friendly Label (PFL) programme have adopted flexible work policies, a report released by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has revealed.
The report The Future of Work: The Rise of Parent-friendly Workplaces in the UAE, released yesterday, discusses the rise of parent-friendly workplaces in the UAE, highlighting the impact of the PFL Programme, launched by ECA in 2021.
PFL is a voluntary workplace award programme that recognises organisations in the UAE’s semi-government, private and third sectors, for their commitment to a supportive work culture and policies, which ultimately impact children up to eight years old.
The latest PFL report covers 75 organisations across 23 industries with almost 10,000 responses to employee surveys.
The 30-page document looks at the impact of the PFL programme to date, delves into key learnings and recommendations, and looks at how policy promoting parent-friendly workplaces can shape the future of work.
To date, the programme has reached more than 148,000 children and approximately 1,500 children of determination.
According to data extracted during the programme’s Cycle 2, 31 out of 75 organisations that applied to earn the PFL have proactively started to improve their policies or are actively considering changes as a result of their participation in the programme. This is underscored by their growing commitment to prioritise the needs of working parents, underpinned by their engagement in the PFL programme.
According to 39 per cent of the organisations that have been surveyed, the most impact was seen when parent-friendly practices were formalised and transformed into policies. Additionally, 35 per cent have adopted flexible work policies, 35 per cent improved lactation facilities or hours, and 22 per cent improved parental leave, including increased maternity and paternity leave benefits, special parental leave benefits, and leave support benefits. The data also reveals that employees in parent-friendly workplaces are nine times more likely to not only recommend their employers, but also actively advocate for them.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said: “The success achieved through the programme since its launch emphasises the growth and huge demand from organisations across the UAE to discover the importance of parent-friendly workplaces, and creating a serious change in work policies, contributing to a thriving parent-friendly environment where the community can flourish.”
Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director General of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), said: “The report highlights a number of significant aspects of parent-friendly workplaces that not only benefit working parents and their children, but also deliver high-impact benefits to organisations and society. This resonates with ECA’s goals to promote the wellbeing of families as a holistic aspiration that positively impacts society and the economy now and, in the future, ultimately enhancing the lives of parents, children, and others alike.”
Third cycle of PFL
PFL launched its third cycle on February 27. Eligible organisations have been invited to take the first step to promote positive change by applying to earn the label. The deadline to apply is September 2, 2024.
Organizations keen to know more about the PFL programme can contact Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre on 800555, email the PFL team directly at pfl@eca.gov.ae or complete the online application form on the ECA website.