1. Please share a brief about your journey of transformation to parent-friendly work culture.

   ADNOC’s journey towards fostering a parent-friendly work culture is deeply rooted in its commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by working parents, ADNOC has implemented a comprehensive framework designed to support their needs at every stage of parenting. This transformation was spearheaded by the Energy for Wellbeing Program, guided by the Wellbeing Committee chaired by senior leadership and seamlessly integrated into the organizational structure.

   Collaborating with external partners such as the Department of Community Development and the Early Childhood Authority (ECA), ADNOC developed evidence-based programs tailored to employee requirements. Key initiatives include enhanced policies like extended parental leave, nursing permissions, escort leaves, flexible work arrangements and childcare assistance through Mazaya discounts and onsite nurseries.

   Additionally, ADNOC launched a dedicated microsite, established a Parent Support Group on Viva Engage, has provided access to mental health counselling and conducted manager enablement sessions to foster a supportive environment. Regular feedback mechanisms, including surveys and structured listening processes, ensure continuous improvement of policies.

   ADNOC’s commitment reflects its belief that supporting parents is essential for nurturing future generations, strengthening community ties and contributing to sustainable societal growth—aligned with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’.

    

2. What inspired you to join this movement towards building a parent-friendly workplace?

   ADNOC’s commitment to fostering a parent-friendly workplace is deeply rooted in its broader Energy for Wellbeing Program, launched under the leadership of HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision of prioritizing family wellbeing and empowering working parents to thrive professionally and personally. ADNOC recognizes that supporting parents is not only vital for employee satisfaction but also contributes to the long-term growth and sustainability of communities.

   The introduction of the Family Development Accelerators further inspired ADNOC to enhance efforts in creating a supportive ecosystem for parents. These accelerators serve as a strategic framework to address key challenges such as work-life balance, caregiving responsibilities and transitioning back to work after parental leave. By integrating these accelerators into policies and programs, ADNOC ensures that employees have access to practical solutions that reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

   Through initiatives like flexible work arrangements, comprehensive parental leave and tailored resources for all stages of parenthood, ADNOC demonstrates its belief that supporting families fosters loyalty, productivity and community cohesion. Collaboration with entities like the Department of Community Development and ECA reinforces ADNOC’s commitment to driving meaningful change for parents, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a thriving and resilient society.

    

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

   ADNOC is particularly proud of its flexible work arrangements, which have had a significant impact on parents across the organization by allowing them to balance professional and personal demands effectively. These arrangements include:

   • Remote Working Options: Employees can work remotely full-time or for a limited number of days annually, providing flexibility to manage caregiving responsibilities and be present for important family moments.
   • Escort Leaves: Employees are entitled to escort leaves, allowing them to accompany their children locally or internationally for defined periods. Additionally, parents of children of determination (CoD) are provided with escort leave to ensure proper care and support during critical situations.
   • Staggered Hours: Employees have the option to flexibly enter offices, enabling them to tailor their schedules around family needs.
   • Nursing Permissions: Nursing mothers are granted nursing breaks, ensuring critical support during early parenting.
   • Flexibility Around School Events: Employees are permitted to attend school events, allowing them to actively participate in their children's educational milestones.

    

   This holistic approach to flexibility falls under the category of Work-Life Balance and has garnered widespread appreciation. By empowering parents with these options, ADNOC ensures they can be present for their families while maintaining productivity at work, fostering a truly parent-friendly culture.

    

4. In your opinion, what are the key benefits organizations can achieve by shifting to parent-friendly workplaces and culture? What makes parent-friendly workplaces the wave of the future?
   

   By investing in parents today, organizations ensure the wellbeing and success of future generations, creating a thriving ecosystem for employees, families, and communities alike. Parent-friendly workplaces strengthen community ties by fostering stability and wellbeing within employees’ families. This support contributes to societal development and builds stronger connections between businesses and the communities they serve, reinforcing the organization’s role as a positive force in society.

   These initiatives also enhance an organization’s reputation, positioning it as a family-oriented and socially responsible employer. By prioritizing inclusivity and family support, organizations attract top talent and build brand loyalty among employees and external stakeholders, establishing themselves as leaders in workplace innovation.

   Furthermore, parent-friendly policies drive productivity and engagement while reducing stress. Employees who feel supported in balancing work and family responsibilities are more focused, motivated and efficient at work, which directly impacts organizational performance and fosters a positive workplace culture.

   Finally, employee retention improves significantly, as working parents feel valued and supported, leading to increased loyalty and reduced turnover rates. When employees know their family needs are accommodated, they are more likely to remain committed to their roles, ensuring long-term organizational stability.

   For ADNOC, creating a parent-friendly workplace is not a new concept but part of its enduring legacy of care and commitment to its people. Supporting families has always been central to ADNOC’s values, ensuring sustainable growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving world.

    

5. Can you please share two to three quotes from your employees as positive testimonials to how your parent-friendly policies have supported them in their everyday lives?

    

   1. "Parent-friendly policies are at the heart of ADNOC’s Energy for Wellbeing strategy. In my current capacity, I see firsthand how these initiatives go beyond flexibility to foster a workplace where employees feel genuinely valued and supported. By prioritizing family wellbeing, we strengthen loyalty, enhance productivity and build a culture that empowers individuals to thrive in all aspects of their lives."

      Dr. Ghuwaya Al Neyadi - Senior Vice President, Group Medical & Wellbeing – ADNOC

       

   2. “Since its inception, ADNOC has cultivated a Parent Friendly (PF) environment. The Parent Friendly Label has enhanced ADNOC's workplace by adopting extra international standards for parent-friendly practices. Through ADNOC’s visionary leadership, a comprehensive framework supporting all aspects of parenthood has been established recognizing the positive impact on the ADNOC Family. As a working parent, I truly appreciate how ADNOC's commitment to a parent-friendly environment resonates with my personal values and needs. It makes a significant difference in my daily life, allowing me to thrive both professionally and personally.”

      Dr. Amna Ahmed Al Marzouqi - Manager, Medical Governance Management – ADNOC

       

   3. “I am a proud mother of four, and balancing the responsibilities of my family and career has been both challenging and rewarding. Working on-site requires dedication and adaptability, with tight deadlines and unexpected challenges often testing my resilience. However, being a mother has equipped me with patience and strength to overcome these hurdles. ADNOC’s support has been pivotal in helping me navigate this journey. The organization’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by working mothers and its leave policies have allowed me to be more present with my family during important moments. This balance has made it possible for me to thrive both at work and at home. I am grateful to be part of an organization that truly values its people and their families."

      Thuraya Al Hanaee - Team Leader, Reliability, Habshan 5 – ADNOC

       

   4. "Thank you, ADNOC, for your unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where employee happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of every initiative. Your thoughtful support for our families and dedication to our children’s growth and future exemplify what it truly means to care for your people. It is an honor to be part of the ADNOC family—a company that values professional excellence while prioritizing the overall happiness and wellbeing of its employees and their loved ones. ADNOC is truly a great place to work. Together, we thrive!"

      Ravichandran Gopalakrishnan - Manager, Education Affairs Department

      ADNOC

       

   5. "Being a mother of four while pursuing a career is no small feat, but ADNOC’s supportive policies have made it possible. The ability to utilize flexible work arrangements, such as working remotely and attending school meetings, has allowed me to balance and cherish both my professional and personal life. Having my children close by in a safe nursery at work is an invaluable gift. As the saying goes, ‘Family is not an important thing; it’s everything’. Thanks to ADNOC, I don’t have to choose between the two—I can thrive in both."

      Mahra Al Ali - Senior Specialist, Wellbeing – ADNOC

       

   6. "As a parent, I deeply appreciate ADNOC’s commitment to creating a family-friendly work environment. The educational assistance top-up program has been a tremendous support in helping me provide quality education for my children without financial strain. Equally important is the flexibility ADNOC offers with working time — offering back-to-school and parent-teacher meeting hours. These moments mean a great deal to both my children and me, and being able to participate without stress or guilt has made a real difference in our lives. This culture of understanding and support reflects ADNOC’s values and its recognition of employees as parents and caregivers. I’m grateful to be part of a company that truly walks the talk when it comes to work-life balance."

      Abdullah Hasan Al Hosani - Manager, Employee Experience – ADNOC

       

   7. As a mum of two toddlers, I am incredibly grateful for the supportive and parent-friendly working environment that ADNOC provides. This support is not only reflected in the organization’s policies but also in the empathy and understanding shown by my leaders and team members. Balancing a demanding career and family life can be challenging, but the strong sense of community and collaboration at ADNOC makes it much more manageable.

      ADNOC offers a variety of family-focused policies and benefits tailored to the needs of working parents, such as flexible working hours, private nursing spaces, and comprehensive medical insurance for my children. These initiatives ensure that I can care for my kids while continuing to excel in my professional role.

      I am proud to be part of an organization that truly values its employees as parents and recognizes the importance of family. ADNOC’s commitment to fostering a parent-friendly workplace has empowered me to thrive both at home and at work, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

      Mavi Akintola - Associate General Counsel, Legal Operations Commercial & Technology - ADNOC

    

6. You support your employees in a special way through offering remote working, staggered hours, flexibility around school events and accommodating caregiving responsibilities. Please share real story(s) (anonymous if you prefer) where your employees have benefited from this support.
   One notable example is a female employee who opted for ADNOC’s full-time remote working option after the birth of her child. This arrangement allowed her to care for her newborn while continuing to fulfill her professional responsibilities from home. By working remotely, she was able to manage her child’s needs throughout the day without compromising on her productivity or career growth. The flexibility provided by ADNOC significantly reduced her stress during this critical stage of parenting and enabled her to maintain a healthy balance between work and family life.

   Another impactful story involves a father of a child of determination (CoD) who benefitted from ADNOC’s additional education allowance per child. This financial support enabled him to provide specialized care for his daughter, including hiring a shadow teacher and purchasing learning equipment tailored to her needs. He expressed immense gratitude for ADNOC’s commitment to supporting families like his, as it allowed him to focus on his work knowing his child was receiving the necessary resources for her development.

   A third inspiring story is that of a mother whose child was born with a congenital condition. The escort leave provided by ADNOC played a crucial role in enabling her to accompany her child to receive the necessary medical care and treatments, both locally and internationally. This support not only ensured her child’s health and wellbeing but also gave her peace of mind during a challenging time. She shared how ADNOC’s understanding and flexibility allowed her to focus on her family’s needs without compromising her professional responsibilities.

   These stories exemplify ADNOC’s steadfast commitment to creating a parent-friendly workplace, empowering employees to succeed both personally and professionally while balancing their caregiving responsibilities.

    

7. Could you describe a moment where insights from collected data (such as employee surveys, system generated) played a key role in achieving a positive result or overcoming a challenge being faced by your employees?

ADNOC actively collects employee feedback through surveys and engagement platforms to refine its parent-friendly initiatives. In 2023, insights revealed the need for enhanced maternity leave for female site employees. Based on this feedback, ADNOC updated its maternity leave policy to better address their unique circumstances, ensuring greater flexibility and support. Additionally, feedback led to the launch of the Parent-Friendly Support Community on Yammer, providing a platform for employees to share experiences, seek advice and celebrate milestones. This initiative has fostered a sense of belonging and mutual support among working parents, helping them navigate work-life balance more effectively. These data-driven actions underscore ADNOC’s commitment to continuously improving its parent-friendly culture.