A few days ago, the newspaper El Mundo published a report that reflected, through the opinions of several experts, on work-life balance in Spanish companies. A large proportion of business owners in our country do not look favorably on proposals such as flexible employee schedules, promoting remote work, or extending maternity leave, considering them an excessively high expense that is impossible to take on during times of crisis.
However, several studies show that, contrary to what one might think, balancing professional, personal, and family life encourages employees to become more committed to their company, thereby helping to retain talent. This view is shared by Roberto Martínez, Director of the Másfamilia Foundation, who states that work-life balance “is an investment in the employee, in human capital, and therefore in the company’s improved performance.”
For work-life balance to be possible, it is necessary to work toward objectives and do away with the corporate culture of “presenteeism,” which is so deeply rooted in Spain. In fact, Roberto Martínez refers to human resources studies explaining that there is no productivity at work beyond seven hours a day.
Work-life balance should be understood as an investment rather than a cost, and although it is difficult to quantify the return on that investment in economic terms, what is certain is that an employee who is happy with their company will always be more productive.
Little by little, Spanish business owners are becoming aware of the importance of having a happy workforce. In fact, more and more companies hold the EFR certification for family-responsible companies, with Alares® being one of them.
Is reconciliation feasible?
A few days ago, the newspaper El Mundo published a report that reflected, through the opinions of several experts, on work-life balance in Spanish companies. A large proportion of business owners in our country do not look favorably on proposals such as flexible employee schedules, promoting remote work, or extending maternity leave, considering them an excessively high expense that is impossible to take on during times of crisis.
However, several studies show that, contrary to what one might think, balancing professional, personal, and family life encourages employees to become more committed to their company, thereby helping to retain talent. This view is shared by Roberto Martínez, Director of the Másfamilia Foundation, who states that work-life balance “is an investment in the employee, in human capital, and therefore in the company’s improved performance.”
For work-life balance to be possible, it is necessary to work toward objectives and do away with the corporate culture of “presenteeism,” which is so deeply rooted in Spain. In fact, Roberto Martínez refers to human resources studies explaining that there is no productivity at work beyond seven hours a day.
Work-life balance should be understood as an investment rather than a cost, and although it is difficult to quantify the return on that investment in economic terms, what is certain is that an employee who is happy with their company will always be more productive.
Little by little, Spanish business owners are becoming aware of the importance of having a happy workforce. In fact, more and more companies hold the EFR certification for family-responsible companies, with Alares® being one of them.
