Nominations are being sought from businesses and nonprofit organizations in all cities of Napa County for the sixth annual Family Friendly Workplace award.

The Napa Child Care Planning Council presents the award yearly to one business in each of the Napa Valley cities. This year an additional countywide award will be presented to one nonprofit organization.

Criteria for the award reflect varied aspects of a company’s dedication to the life of their employees, not only in the workplace, but extending to their family life as well. The awards are presented at the respective annual Chamber of Commerce dinners.

Last year’s winner for Napa was Napa Community Bank, whose employees cited the family atmosphere at the establishment. “Among the ways they make my life easier,” said commercial loan officer Todd Horne, “is with my flexible work schedule. I can take the time to drop off my kids at school because we’re able to adjust our work schedules to suit our family needs.”

Staglin Family Vineyards of St. Helena was awarded the honor in that city. “We were thrilled to get the award,” said owner Shari Staglin. “We so appreciate the Child Care Planning Council for calling attention to the need for businesses to honor familial obligations their employees face, and for encouraging an example for such conduct.

Staglin expressed the necessity of supporting employees in leading a balanced life, which fits in with the idea of enlightened self-interest. “After all,” she said, “if your employees are worried about family matters, they can’t be fully on the job as well.”

In Calistoga the honors went to the Cottage Grove Inn, managed by Donna Johnson. “A working parent who has to go to school for a parent conference or take care of a sick child should have the time for that without being afraid of losing a job. We’re all about back-to-basics and the family.”

The philosophy of a family-friendly business is a recognition that money is not the only valuable compensation in the workplace. It encompasses a variety of policies and practices that enable an employee to balance work and family life. While many consider “family friendly” to be about children, a more recent area of concern for employees has become elder care.

The goal of the Family Friendly Award is to encourage and reward businesses who provide a work climate in which someone with a family is considered in light of all their responsibilities, not merely the ones at work. A way of recognizing such businesses is to nominate them for this award.

Calls for nomination forms should be directed to Becky Billing at 259-5998. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m.