DRC Launches Best Place for Working Parents, a Family-Friendly Workplace Initiative

Michael Wood, Director, Education & Workforce

The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) has launched a new initiative, Best Place for Working Parents Dallas, to recognize family-friendly businesses and raise awareness of the importance of family-friendly policies in the workplace.

The initiative leverages a first-of-its-kind online self-assessment to help employers determine whether their workplace qualifies for the Best Place for Working Parents business designation, in part by comparing family-friendly benefits and policies to other companies of similar size and industry. The assessment focuses on 10 policies known to positively impact employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity – all of which are key to a business’ success, particularly as employers continue to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In today’s remote and hybrid workplaces, we know family-friendly policies, such as flexible hours, child care assistance, parental leave for parents of newborns, and much more are critical in attracting and retaining the best talent,” said DRC President and CEO Dale Petroskey. “In our pledge to make the Dallas Region the best place in the U.S. for all people to live, work, and do business, we encourage our businesses to commit and expand their family-friendly workplace policies in order to support families, grow their bottom line, and continue strengthening the region’s talented workforce.”

Company executives, human resources, or talent management staff members are encouraged to take the Best Place for Working Parents Dallas self-assessment on their employer’s behalf. The assessment should take less than five minutes to complete.

Businesses that achieve the designation will receive a digital badge to tout their organization via web, social media, and print as a Best Place for Working Parents. Further, Dallas Region recipients of the Best Place for Working Parents designation will be recognized at the DRC’s second annual State of Early Education on Feb. 23. Businesses that complete the assessment but are not eligible to receive the designation are encouraged to explore and consider implementing any of the top 10 family-friendly policies highlighted by the initiative.

Best Place for Working Parents Dallas is presented by PNC Bank. Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio joined Dallas in launching the program in their respective cities.

For more information about the Best Place for Working Parents Dallas, visit the DRC website or contact DRC Director of Education & Workforce Michael Wood at mwood@dallaschamber.org.