Flexibility is the secret for Fresno County child-friendly businesses when it comes to keeping working parents happy and engaged — especially during the pandemic.

That was the path for the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, one of five local businesses recognized by the nonprofit Fresno 5 Fresno County with a Child-Friendly Business Award for 2022.

A record number of nominations for the awards program highlights the steps businesses can take to enrich the work-life balance of its team, such as flexible schedules, time off for children’s events, maternity programs beyond state requirements, childcare resources and remote-work options.

 

Cassandra Little, Fresno Metro Black Chamber CEO, said her organization is navigating the same questions faced by business owners across the globe. How do I keep my people happy while getting the job done?

For the Chamber, it involves freedom for employees to continue working from home and even bringing their kids into the office when desk time is needed.

“It hasn’t slowed down production,” Little said. “In fact, it has improved — and lowered the stress level.”

“We can, in a way, have it all,” she added.

Despite the leeway to avoid the office altogether, Little said 85-90% of work time is spent in the office.

The other winners of this year’s Child-Friendly Business Award include:

• Bitwise Industries
•  
• Debbas Gourmet / Made in Nature
•  
• Legacy Construction
•  
• Success Together, Inc.

 

Fabiola Gonzalez, executive director of First 5 Fresno County — a public organization that serves young children and their families — said implementing friendly policies for working parents makes good business sense.

“We know that children thrive when their families thrive. And when parents work for an employer that understand the role they have at home with their children, it’s a win-win for everyone because happy parents make better employees,” she said.