In your opinion, what makes parent-friendly workplaces the wave of the future? 

“At Nestlé MENA, we recognize that the evolution of the workforce calls for environments that honor the individual needs of employees, particularly for those balancing parenting with their careers. We are committed to being at the forefront of this change, fostering a workplace culture that not only attracts but also nurtures the best talent by offering flexible schedules, remote working options, and respecting work-life balance.” said Dalia Attia, Head of Talent & Learning Nestlé Middle East North Africa”.

She added: “We believe that by supporting our employees in all aspects of their lives, we create a more dynamic and innovative workforce. This holistic approach to employee well-being, encompassing family-friendly policies, is a cornerstone of our organizational success.”

Please share ONE unique parent-friendly workplace initiative that your organization is particularly proud of and has made the biggest impact on your employees. 

“We believe that our Enhanced Parental Policy, implemented in April 2020, has had a tremendous impact, granting primary caregivers 18 weeks of parental leave and four weeks for secondary caregivers said Dalia Attia, Head of Talent & Learning at Nestlé Middle East North Africa.”

She added: Our policy represents more than just time away from work; it’s a step forward in cultivating strong family bonds and equality in parenting roles. Particularly significant is the establishment of a global minimum for secondary caregivers, where previously there was none, allowing fathers to engage in their children’s lives from the outset.”

What are some of the business benefits (such as on retention, satisfaction, productivity. etc.) you have seen from being a parent-friendly workplace?

“At Nestlé MENA, we are committed to the healthy development of children. By providing parental support and implementing flexible workplace policies, we aspire to cultivate an environment that uplifts employee well-being and strengthens family connections. This well-being directly correlates to enhanced productivity, proving that when our employees thrive in their personal lives, their professional output is significantly enriched. Our internal employee well-being surveys reflect this correlation.

She added: “Acknowledging the realities of parenting, our flexible scheduling options recognize that family responsibilities extend beyond traditional business hours. By enabling parents to attend to their children’s needs without compromising their work commitments, we not only support our employees but also reinforce a culture of trust and mutual respect,” said Nisrine Bakhos, Human Resources Services Specialist at Nestlé Middle East North Africa.

You support your employees in a special way through shared parental leave, breast pump reimbursement and 6 month policy reviews. Please share real story(s) (anonymous if you prefer) where your employees have benefited from this support. 

“The breast pump reimbursement benefit was invaluable, providing financial assistance for essential equipment. The dedicated breast pumping rooms are convenient and offer a comfortable and private space for expressing milk while at work. Additionally, the “mum & me time” was immensely beneficial, allowing me to spend more quality time with my newborn during those crucial early months. This facilitated a smoother transition back to work, allowing me to provide for my family while remaining attentive to my child’s needs.“

Kershnee Naicker – Business Unite Controller at Nestlé MENA

“Nestlé has been immensely helpful throughout my motherhood journey. They reimbursed my electric pump, among other benefits for new mothers, along with the 18 weeks of paid maternity leave and flexible work hours upon returning from maternity leave.”

Nicole Daoud – Executive Medical Delegate at Nestlé