The most important job is being a parent

UNICEF Belarus announces the now-traditional special category in the “HR Brand Belarus Award” competition called “Care and Attention,” aimed at promoting family- and child-focused approaches and practices within Belarusian companies.

In many countries, including Belarus, UNICEF promotes the idea of family- and child-friendly corporate policies, encouraging businesses to implement tools that help employees balance work and family responsibilities, which ultimately benefits children.

Much depends on the employer regarding how parents spend time with their children. If employees stay late at work, get stressed, and check work emails on weekends, they have less time for their children. Conversely, if the workplace supports young parents, considers the needs of breastfeeding mothers, and shows flexibility, parents have more opportunities to spend quality time with their families.

Investing in corporate policies helps companies not only create a healthy and educated generation and support sustainable development but also enhances the employer’s ability to attract and retain staff and build loyalty.

Projects aimed at the following areas are eligible to participate in the special nomination:

• Supporting employee-parents and their children;
• Supporting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and parents;
• Creating conditions that help balance family and work;
• Increasing access to development and educational services for employees’ children;
• Developing corporate events oriented toward families and children.

The expert jury will select winners based on these principles:

1. Family- and child-centered focus of the project;
2. Sustainability of results (both qualitative and quantitative);
3. Inclusiveness;
4. Innovation;
5. Potential for replication and scaling.

Applications for the “Care and Attention” nomination are accepted until February 21, 2025.

UNICEF represents the interests of many children who need adults’ attention, time, and resources to address issues they cannot cope with due to various limitations — age-related, physical, or social. Together with partners, businesses, and the wider community, UNICEF cares about children, their rights, and needs, striving to create the world children deserve.

Want to become a nominee or partner of the “HR Brand Award”? Then send your application in free form to [email protected].