Official recognition for companies that support work-parenting balance

The Parenting Friendly Organisation (PFO) certification process is the way in which a company is assessed and recognised for the way it supports its parent employees and builds a balanced, sustainable and inclusive organisational culture.

This certification is a strategic development tool, not just a title: it helps you to increase retention, strengthen your employer brand and turn support for parents into a real competitive advantage.

1. Personalised assessment and recommendations

The first step is to assess the organisation’s current level of parenting-friendliness.
We analyse the structure, internal policies and employee perceptions to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Deliverable: assessment report with scores on the 7 pillars and overall action plan.

Result: clarity and strategic priorities for certification.

2. Implementation – internal or with the support of PFO

Team planning implementation for the Parenting Friendly Organisation certification process

 

On the basis of the report, the organisation implements the recommended actions, either with its own resources or using PFO programmes (workshops, guides, consultancy for managers, digital tools).

Aim: to truly align with the Parenting Friendly Organisation standards and create a sustainable environment for parenting employees.

3. The parenting friendly certification process – 4 clear steps

After implementation, the organisation enters the formal six-step certification process:

Stage 1 – Application and information

Preliminary discussion and process clarification

We start with a working meeting for:

  • Define the objectives of the certification and the KPIs targeted;
  • Setting the timetable and steps to be taken;
  • Identify the internal team that will collaborate in the process.

This step ensures alignment of all parties involved and clarity on how the certification will be carried out.

Result: work plan, timeline and measurable indicators.

Stage 2 – Data collection

At this stage we build a complete picture of the organisational culture by:

  • Online questionnaires for parents and managers;
  • Interviews or thematic mini-surveys to validate perceptions in the organisation;
  • Upload supporting documents (policies, procedures, relevant HR data).

The aim is to get a realistic and informed picture of parenting support practices.

Result: quantitative and qualitative data, backed up by hard evidence.

Stage 3 – Assessment and decision

The PFO team analyses the information collected and compares the results with Parenting Friendly Organisation standards.
The process includes:

  • Interpreting scores and feedback;
  • Verification of documents submitted;
  • Formulate conclusions and recommendations for further development.

Based on the analysis, the PFO Board decides whether or not to grant certification.

Result: final report and official certification decision.

Stage 4 – Employer branding

After certification, the company receives:

  • Official Parenting Friendly Organisation badge for internal and external use;
  • Communication kit (visual guide, text for press releases, postings and graphics);
  • the opportunity for promotion in PFO networks and business press.

Proof of parenting friendly certification is valid for 2 years, during which time the company has access to:

  • PFO digital tools (Dana chatbot, Parenting Journey calendar);
  • resources updated annually;
  • advice on maintaining standards.

Result: public recognition, credibility and membership in the community of companies that support parents.

4. Ongoing support and certification renewal

Recognition as a company that has completed the parenting friendly certification process is valid for 2 years.
During this period, companies benefit from:

  • digital tools for internal communication (Dana chatbot, Parenting Journey calendar);

  • annually updated resources and guides;

  • PFO community access and visibility opportunities.

At the end of 2 years, the organisation can apply for re-certification as a Parenting Friendly Organisation, based on a simplified assessment.

Result: strengthened organisational culture and long-term empathetic leadership.

Benefits for a parenting-friendly certification

  • Increase employee retention and satisfaction

  • Improving employer brand image

  • Clear indicators for ESG strategy and reporting

  • Public recognition in the PFO community and media

  • Access to transformation resources, programmes and tools

     

Congratulations for being here – it means you care about results.

Organisational change starts with a strategic step, and you’ve already taken it by informing yourself about the Parenting Friendly Organisation certification process. The next step is to turn intention into action and build a work environment that supports sustainable performance.

Choose what suits you best:

Parenting Friendly Organisation certification is a strategic investment in productivity, loyalty and your employer brand.