The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority's Parent-Friendly Label (PFL) programme stands as a benchmark for how institutions and employers can actively contribute to advancing a shift towards family-friendly work environments.

The nationwide voluntary workplace award programme allows semi-governmental, private and third sector organisations to earn a label recognising their commitment to a supportive work culture and policies that enable parents to play their key role in supporting early childhood development.

Speaking to Aletihad, Fatmah Alkaabi, Sr Programmes Manager at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said the programme empowers organisations to adopt innovative approaches that create cohesive, family-focused workplaces.

"The PFL is more than a recognition – it is a journey of continuous improvement. Our vision is to expand its reach, ensuring every UAE workplace supports working parents and children, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive society for families and future generations."

Aletihad spoke to Nabta Health, Chalhoub Group, and Houbara Defence and Security – winners of the PFL Label in its second cycle – to understand how the label is driving real workplace change.

Sophie Smith, Founder and CEO of Nabta Health, said the recognition has strengthened team culture and internal commitment.

"Receiving the Parent-Friendly Label was an outward sign of an inward commitment to our team's goal of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of age, stage, or goals. It has fostered a culture of trust and flexibility, empowering our team to balance their professional and personal responsibilities effectively."

"The Parent-Friendly Label has also acted as a public commitment to our employees, providing them with a comprehensive set of policies and KPIs to measure our performance against. The result has been increased productivity, loyalty and job satisfaction."

Smith highlighted that Nabta Health had already introduced global best practices from the start, including flexible working hours, remote work options, and nine months of paid parental leave for men and women.

It has further expanded its support for parents by introducing caregiving leave options, as well as providing nursing rooms, an on-site caregiver, and indoor and outdoor play areas for children

Maya Matar, Senior Manager, Wellbeing & Engagement at Chalhoub Group, said the label has reinforced their commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive and flexible environment, particularly for working parents.

She said the group has implemented several policies and initiatives to support parents, ensuring they have the flexibility and resources needed. These include flexible working policy, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, mental health support, parenting education resources and other family-freindly facilities.

"The results of our internal surveys, including an impressive employee wellbeing score of 84% and an employee engagement score of 87%, reflect the positive impact of these policies."

For Houbara Defence and Security LLC, the Parent-friendly Label has been an important source of collective pride.

CEO Tim Allen said the company has focused on incremental improvements: "It is difficult to single out any initiative as we have made a number of small adjustments; the key change come through developing a positive ethos towards 'family', and placing a higher priority on those measures that we can take to ease work-induced pressures on family life."

Allen believes that the cultural foundation is what matters most.

"Our top advice to others considering this journey centres on ethos and group culture. First and foremost, it calls for careful listening to understand where the pinch-points occur; individual requirements will vary from situation to situation – no two employees will have the same experience."

Source