Flexible working arrangements are more likely to retain married employees.

A recent report published by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has revealed that employers who offer flexible working arrangements are more likely to retain married employees as they struggle to balance work and family life.

The report surveyed 10,000 employees across 23 industries and found that over 70% of respondents would consider leaving their job if their employer failed to offer flexible working patterns.

'Parent-friendly' workplaces

According to the ECA, parent-friendly workplaces are companies that actively support married employees, including offering flexible working patterns, listening to families' needs and actively welcoming parents back to work after parental leave.

At the same time, companies need to take into account the difficult circumstances that married employees may face, such as a sick child or other family emergencies.

Recent new research shows that employers who offer flexible working patterns and longer parental leave are more likely to retain top talent and improve overall performance.

ECA launched the Parent Friendly Label (PFL) program in 2021, the first of its kind in the region, attracting 75 companies from across the UAE.

Of the recognized PFL companies, 35% introduced flexible working patterns, 35% improved breastfeeding facilities or hours, and 22% increased parental leave benefits.

The results show that employees in parent-friendly workplaces are nine times more likely to recommend and support their employer. In addition, employees were 20% more productive.