In its April iteration of Small Business University, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar focused on helping business owners create child-friendly operations.
Panelists included Chad Withrow and Denise Christiansen from Art of Comfort; Mike Gonzales from CenCal Services; and Fabiola González, Executive Director of First 5 Fresno County.
Art of Comfort and CenCal Services are the two most recent winners of First 5’s Child-Friendly Business of the Year award, given in partnership with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce at the Valley Business Awards.
Work-Life Balance
Adopting a child-friendly mindset isn’t just about being welcoming to kids, said González. It’s about building an environment where employees and customers alike feel supported in balancing work and family life. Businesses that prioritize child-friendly practices, she said, often see higher employee retention, stronger community ties, and improved customer loyalty.
“When it comes to being a child-friendly business, research shows that little things implemented in the workplace make a big difference,” González said. “Employees value the flexibility to balance work and home life, often more than promotions, above-market salaries, or even stock options if they were offered.”
One of the most effective steps is offering flexible work arrangements. Flexible scheduling, remote work options, or compressed workweeks can make a significant difference for employees managing childcare, school schedules, or caregiving responsibilities. Even small adjustments—like allowing shift swaps or flexible start times—can reduce stress and increase productivity.
“Child-friendly can mean different practices for different businesses, depending on the industry, and you don’t have to invest a lot of money to make a big impact,” González said.
Another key element is providing family-oriented benefits. Paid parental leave, childcare assistance, or dependent care stipends can set a business apart in a competitive labor market. While not every company can afford extensive benefits, even modest support—such as partnerships with local childcare providers or referral services—can demonstrate a commitment to employees’ families.
Culture, Culture, Culture
All three panelists emphasized that workplace culture plays a major role. This means setting realistic expectations about after-hours communication, respecting time off, and training managers to support employees with family obligations. When leadership models these behaviors, it signals that family commitments are valued, not penalized.
“What we look for are ways to serve our employees with the anticipation that those same employees will be able to go out and provide a premium product or service for our customers,” Withrow said. “It’s just this constant drive to try and find ways to better serve our employees.”
For customer-facing businesses like restaurants and retail, creating a welcoming environment for families can broaden appeal. Simple changes like offering kid-friendly menus, designated play areas, or family restrooms can make a big impact. Hosting family-oriented events—such as community days, workshops, or seasonal celebrations—can also strengthen an entity’s brand and attract repeat customers.
“It takes being creative about what it is that employees need and how the management can help them get there,” González said.
Clear communication is another often-overlooked factor. Making sure policies, benefits, and family-friendly features are easy to understand and visible to both employees and customers is key, said Gonzales. Highlighting these efforts in job postings, on a website, and in marketing materials helps reinforce commitment and attract like-minded individuals, which begins with hiring practices.
“Hire slow, fire fast,” Gonzales said. “A bad hire can destroy your culture, and that’s when you’re going to get somebody that might abuse what you’re trying to do for other members. Really take the time to make sure you have the right people.”
Start Small
Incorporating family-friendly practices doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Thoughtful, incremental changes can create a more inclusive environment that benefits a company’s workforce, its customers, and its long-term success.
“Child-friendly businesses can start with a practice,” González said. “It doesn’t have to be a huge policy.”
For many businesses, González said they start practicing something that feels right, because it’s meeting their culture, and it’s in alignment with the values they have as a company.
“It can start and look very small,” she said.
González also said that being child-friendly could be good for business.
“We absolutely believe that businesses play a vital role in supporting a child’s first five years of life,” she said. “Being child-friendly is a viable way to show your employees your appreciation in a way that won’t hurt your bottom line. Honestly, it might actually improve it.”
For tools and resources about becoming a child-friendly business, click here.
If you would like to become a member and take advantage of the Chamber’s educational opportunities, networking events, marketing tools, and other resources that can support your business, click here.
Photo: First 5 Fresno
For more updates on Fresno County development and business initiatives, stay connected with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
