Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has launched the second Parent-friendly Label (PFL) Impact Report titled "Thriving Through Talent: How parent-friendly policies drive balance, growth, and global competitiveness." This initiative promotes a national movement towards creating family-friendly workplaces, enabling parents to play a crucial role in supporting early childhood development while fostering economic growth.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the importance of fostering a prosperous future through child development within a supportive family environment. The UAE is advancing with innovative policies focused on enhancing quality of life, guided by leadership that prioritizes human well-being. The Parent-friendly Label program is a comprehensive framework reimagining work environments in the UAE to be more inclusive and responsive to family needs.
Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of ECA, highlighted that the PFL program aligns with the UAE's vision of family well-being at the core of sustainable development. The second report demonstrates how parent-friendly workplaces enhance employee loyalty, satisfaction, and productivity by shifting from individual practices to impactful policies prioritizing family well-being.
The PFL program, in line with the designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family, is a strategic enabler of the National Family Growth Agenda 2031. It supports collective efforts from the government, private sector, and community to empower working parents, promote family growth, and increase birthrates, particularly among the Emirati workforce.
The latest report from the PFL program's third cycle shows a significant increase in the quality and quantity of applications from workplaces. Data from an extensive survey with over 11,000 employees across participating organizations confirm that parent-friendly workplaces boost loyalty, satisfaction, and productivity. Notably, 77% of employees would recommend their organization as parent-friendly, while 68% indicated workplace support influenced their decision to stay in their jobs longer. Additionally, 71% reported improved productivity due to these policies.
The program also supports women's workforce participation, with 82% of working mothers encouraged to fully utilize maternity leave and 66% satisfied with maternity leave duration, aiding smoother transitions back to work. The PFL program supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 5 and 8, by promoting gender equality and decent work.
Fathers also benefit, with 74% receiving managerial support for paternity leave, reflecting a culture that values shared parental responsibilities. Organizations implementing innovative policies like extended paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and family support funds have transformed workplace culture, improving quality of life and family stability.
The PFL program's third cycle saw 83 organizations from 25 sectors apply, benefitting 163,000 employees, including 105,000 working parents and 2,250 parents of Children of Determination, a 57% increase from the previous cycle. Organizations adopting these policies enhance their appeal as employers of choice, improving employee retention and productivity.
The report underscores the PFL program's alignment with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision by promoting quality of life, women's workforce participation, active father involvement in caregiving, and family health, relieving healthcare sector pressures. It drives sustainable economic growth by attracting top talent and boosting economic competitiveness.
The PFL program offers a practical framework for organizations to provide meaningful support to working parents, combining policy innovation with tools to measure effectiveness, such as benefit usage and employee perceptions, solidifying its role in modernizing workplaces.