Representatives of the Child Friendly Business Awards receive their trophies during a ceremony Wednesday in Fresno. Photo by Bridget Butler-Sullivan

Now more than ever, the balance between professional and family life is being brought to attention, and as more and more companies continue to intermix the two, their attempts are being recognized.

On Wednesday, First Five Fresno County, a community organization seeking to ensure health and well-being for youth 0 to five, announced the 2018 winners of the Child-Friendly Business Awards.

“Our goal today is to honor businesses going above and beyond and challenging others to do the same. We believe that child friendly is business friendly,” said Emilia Reyes, executive director for First Five. “It’s about making life fit together.”

After reviewing more than 50 nominations, the First Five committee awarded Agrian Inc., an agricultural technology service firm; Fowler Packing Co.; The Exchange, a professional exchange service organization; Anthem Blue Cross and Fresno State’s Kremen School for Education and Human Development.

“It doesn’t feel like we’re doing anything out of the ordinary. Our employees are part of our family, and you help family” said Andriana Majarian, Agrian Inc COO and recipient for the company. “The more flexible and understanding a company is, the more loyalty it creates.”

Recipients were given awards based on a series of qualifications including flexible work schedules, maternity leave, breastfeeding stations, on-site or paid childcare programs, extended parental leave and other related criteria.

Agrian Inc, for example, offers 100-percent medical coverage to employees and dependents, according to Majarian.

This year marks the 12th annual ceremony for this award and adds to the list of First Five’s 58 previous awards.