Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has extended an invitation to organisations across the UAE's semi-government, private, and third sectors to participate in the fourth cycle of the Parent-friendly Label (PFL) programme, with applications open until 31st July 2026. This initiative aims to recognize organisations that create supportive and inclusive work environments for parents, thereby benefiting employers, employees, children, and society.
According to Emirates News Agency, the fourth cycle of the PFL programme marks a significant milestone with the inclusion of government entities for the first time. This expansion is facilitated by a pilot project launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, aligning with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026. The initiative seeks to enhance family-focused workplace culture nationwide and evolve the programme's framework to set a global benchmark for parent-friendly workplaces.
The programme also encourages organisations that previously earned the label to reapply or aim for the Parent-friendly Label+ designation by improving workplace policies and practices to meet or exceed international standards. The PFL programme acknowledges organisations that support parents of young children through policies like flexible work arrangements, understanding family needs, welcoming back new parents, enhanced parental leave, and other family-oriented initiatives.
The PFL programme evaluates organisations based on five criteria: Parental Leave, Flexible Working Arrangements, Family Care, Family Wellbeing, Culture, and Innovation. Since its inception in 2021, the programme has positively impacted the lives of over 1 million employees globally, including more than 311,000 employees across 25 sectors in the UAE.
According to the programme's second impact report, "Thriving Through Talent: How Parent-friendly Policies Drive Balance, Growth, and Global Competitiveness," 71 percent of working parents reported enhanced daily productivity due to the supportive workplace environment. With 60 days remaining before the application deadline, ECA encourages eligible organisations across the UAE to apply through parentfriendlylabel.ae and explore more about the programme via its Applicant Handbook.