The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority has launched the Parent-Friendly Label initiative that will promote a parent-friendly workplace culture in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative will introduce parent-friendly policies and ways to support working parents that also have to tend to their children, especially during their early childhood and will additionally relieve parental stress from not being present in their child's life during work hours.
The step has been taken under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.
His Highness Sheikh Theyab said, “The early care for children would have a positive impact on children, families and the whole community. Therefore, the PFL helps to support the ambitious vision of the UAE’s future over the next fifty years, creating enabled generations to face challenges and shape the future and pushing forward the UAE’s journey of development and prosperity launched by the founding fathers. By creating parent-friendly workplaces that understand children’s needs, the PFL will provide children with adequate support within their families, to ensure their healthy development and early learning. This, in turn, would increase Abu Dhabi’s workplace attractiveness, retention and productivity.”
The initiative has two labels, the Parent-Friendly which is the first level and Parent-Friendly Plus which is the advanced level. Organisations that are eligible to apply must either be from the private sector, semi-government sector, or the third sector, must have a valid trade license issued in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi or issued by a free zone in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and demonstrate a commitment to parent-friendliness.
On being a part of the Parent-Friendly Label, recipients are entitled to receive a range of benefits, including membership of an exclusive community of like-minded organisations to exchange success stories, share learnings and leading practices with, as well as public recognition of their status as a parent-friendly employer.
All applicants will be assessed through 19 criteria across five categories, by an independent third party as well as an independent judging panel, made up of senior members from leading public institutions. The categories include parental leave, flexible work, family care, family wellbeing and culture.
Organisations that are interested in applying must submit their application form to the Parent-Friendly Label initiative before 23 September.