A report by the Alares Foundation, focusing on the more than 1,200 applications submitted in the business category for the National Awards over the last seven editions, shows that companies’ commitment to work-life balance has advanced significantly.
The report reveals that the most highly valued work-family balance measures, and those that contribute most to reducing workplace absenteeism, are flexible working hours and the availability of Madrid, September 16. Advances in work-life balance increasingly promote equal opportunities between men and women, with a consequent improvement in working conditions and business results. To find out how work-life balance measures have evolved in recent years, the Alares Foundation has prepared a report. In preparing this document, the more than 1,200 applications submitted by companies for the Alares National Awards for Work, Family and Personal Life Balance and Corporate Social Responsibility were taken into account. These awards celebrated their eighth edition this year.
The report draws a series of conclusions reflecting the social and corporate evolution of work-life balance/
The study also finds a direct relationship between the implementation of effective work-life balance programs adapted to the actual needs of company workforces and the reduction of absenteeism by a high percentage, quantified at 40%.
The most highly valued measures are flexible working hours and care services for both employees and their families.
The report identifies the most highly valued work-life balance measures, with flexible working hours ranking highest at 31%, followed closely at 26% by the availability of care services for employees and their families.
On the other hand, compressed working hours, flexible schedules, and the possibility of reducing working hours, at 96%, 91%, and 74% respectively, are the work-life balance measures most widely used by companies.
Regarding the factors that most influence the reduction of absenteeism, the availability of care services stands out at 32%, followed by flexible working hours at 24%.
Therefore, services aimed at providing family and personal care and support have the greatest impact on reducing absenteeism and increasing employee productivity, which is consistent with the findings of other studies showing that more than 49% of absenteeism is caused by family-related problems.
More and more companies are offering care packages to their employees and their families
Work-life balance programs that address the needs of individuals and their families while they work, both in special and everyday situations, have increased and are especially valued by the employees who benefit from them. These include in-home assistance for children and older people, specialized home treatments, private lessons, telecare, administrative services, professional telephone assistance, and in-home childcare, among others.
