Companies go beyond usual workplace perks to make employees feel valued

Some UAE organisations are covering the full educational costs of employees' children, without placing any limit on the number of kids.

- Nandini Sircar

This comes at a time when a growing number of companies in the country are rolling out family-focused initiatives that go beyond the usual workplace perks, aiming to ease the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Firms are redesigning their policies — from flexible schedules and remote work opportunities to childcare support such as créche facilities and extended maternity leave — to ensure employees and their families feel supported and valued.

Raji Daou, CEO of DMDC, said: “For every employee with children living abroad, we fully cover their educational expenses, with no limit on the number of children supported. We fund the full overseas education of the children of our blue-collar employees. And this isn’t a strategic move, it’s a promise that we made to them from day one. These workers are the backbone of our operations. Their children deserve the same opportunities as anyone else’s. By investing in their future, we're sending a message that every role matters and every family counts.”

“The UAE is home to over 2.2 million blue-collar workers, many of whom face systemic barriers to education and advancement. Programmes like Smart Labour and Dubai Holding’s Life Goals initiative are making strides by offering digital literacy and financial education. But there’s room for more. Businesses have the resources, and the responsibility, to step in where traditional systems fall short.”

Many employers are also working to earn the Parent-friendly Label (PFL), a UAE-wide voluntary workplace award that recognises organisations committed to creating policies and cultures that support families with children aged 0-8.

From a leadership perspective, these policies are seen as a long-term investment. They foster loyalty, improve retention and make it easier to attract top talent.