Youth Leadership Institute, BRS Financial Group, Realty Concepts, Wells Fargo and Evans Energy have all earned the 2017 Child-Friendly Business Award from First 5 Fresno County.

All together 74 employees submitted nominations on behalf of their employers, touting their child-friendly work environments and family-friendly policies. The top five employers were announced at an awards ceremony Wednesday at the Lighthouse for Children facility in Downtown Fresno.

Since 2006, First 5 Fresno County has awarded 53 Fresno County businesses and organizations that go above and beyond in their support to parent employees.

“At First 5 Fresno County, we know investing in employees is good for business, good for families and good for our entire community,” said Emilia Reyes, First 5 Fresno County executive director, in a statement. “Child-friendly businesses employ committed workers, build loyalty, have greater recruitment and increase their bottom line.”
 
Being child-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive, according to First 5 Fresno County. Child-Friendly Businesses may offer: flexible work schedules, breastfeeding friendly spaces, extended parental leave, on-site or paid child care benefits, the option to work from home and more.