The Alares Foundation once again brings together the most important representatives of work-life balance in our country. On this occasion, and because of its commitment to people with disabilities, the Foundation is also awarding prizes this year for best practices in occupational risk prevention aimed at this group.
The Minister of Employment and Social Security, Fátima Báñez, presided over the Gala and made her speech a compelling plea for people's well-being and the Government's commitment to the principles of the Alares Foundation. Undoubtedly, Báñez's participation makes clear the responsibility of the country's political, social, and economic institutions for society's quality of life and well-being, as well as for business competitiveness.
The Minister also placed particular emphasis on the fact that the new labor reform is an example of a flexible framework that adapts to the reality of organizations moving toward a more prosperous society. Moreover, it is a labor reform that seeks to improve work-life balance and promote decent, flexible work. Báñez also assured that the government's obsession is to create jobs and opportunities for reconciliation.
Once again, the 2012 sixth Alares National Awards for Family, Work and Personal Life Balance, and Corporate Social Responsibility, were held under the Honorary Presidency of Her Majesty Queen Sofía, who, although unable to attend the gala, conveyed her affection to us, a gesture that fills the Alares Foundation with particular pride and satisfaction. During the event, Javier Benavente Barrón, President of the Alares Foundation, recognized the value of organizations that support work-life balance for their employees as a means of generating the competitiveness we need. In fact, Benavente stated that the more we achieve work-life balance, the more European we become and, consequently, the closer we move toward a more balanced society. Similarly, the President of the Alares Foundation highlighted the major new feature of this edition: thanks to the sponsorship and support of Sociedad de Prevención de Ibermutuamur, the Alares Foundation was able to recognize the best practices in the prevention of occupational risks for people with disabilities. There is no doubt that these awards are unique in their field and therefore contribute to the genuine integration of people with disabilities into society. Javier Benavente stated: "These awards exist as the result of several joint discussions between our Foundation and the Manager of Sociedad de Prevención de Ibermutuamur, Mr. Eusebio Gómez, and his team, about what we could do as civil society to contribute not only to greater professional integration for people with disabilities, but also to adapting workplaces and implementing specific risk prevention measures for this important group." The renowned journalist Ana García Lozano was responsible for hosting the Gala. Her experience and professionalism in television and radio, as well as her commitment to the values upheld by the Alares Foundation, helped make the sixth edition of the Alares National Awards for Work-Life Balance and the first National Awards for the Prevention of Occupational Risks for People with Disabilities a complete success.
Integrating into the Workplace The Alares Foundation has made a firm commitment to people with disabilities. Since contributing to the launch of Alares Social Centro Especial de Empleo, the organization has developed numerous programs and activities in support of the social and professional integration of people with disabilities. The Awards for the Prevention of Occupational Risks for People with Disabilities, supported by Sociedad de Prevención de Ibermutuamur, are another example of the Foundation’s dedication.
Reconciling Work and Family Life The Alares Foundation is experiencing firsthand the current economic situation affecting our country. Its work with people recognizes the social changes we are undergoing, and it is clear that reconciliation is one of the aspects that best measures development or regression. For this reason, from the platform provided by these awards, the Foundation wished to highlight the importance of raising society’s awareness through education in schools, but also in the home. Of course, public bodies and Spanish companies must also work to understand and embrace reconciliation as part of their DNA.
2012 Winners
6th Alares National Awards 2012 for Work–Family and Personal-Life Reconciliation and Social Responsibility
Institution Award: • Department of Employment and Social Affairs of the Basque Government • Honorable Mention: Avilés City Council
Business Award: • Red Eléctrica de España • Honorable Mention: Línea Directa
Medium-Sized Business Award: • Casbega • Honorable Mention: Infojobs
Small Business Award: • ACUSMED (Acoustics and Environment) • Honorable Mention: Arrabe Asesores
Social Partners: • CNSE (Spanish Confederation of Deaf People) • Honorable Mention: Fundación Igual a Igual
Executives: • Ms. Esther Trujillo Giménez • Mr. Fernando Andrés López
Professionals of Media: • Pepa Bueno, journalist • Honorable Mention: Ms. Margarita Grijota and Mr. César Galera, from Expansión.com
Media: • ETHIC – La Vanguardia de la Sostenibilidad • Honorable Mention: Mujeres & Cía
Information or Programs in Audiovisual Media: • Convive TV • Honorable Mention: “ON DAYS LIKE TODAY”: “Reconciling Work and Family, or Life Against the Clock”
Innovation and Testing: • “SPREADTHESIGN” Project • Honorable Mention: “Current Status of Rights Relating to Work–Family Reconciliation in Spain: Advances and Setbacks” – HI13 Group. University of Vigo Universities,
Business Schools, Other Educational and Research Institutions: • JAUME I UNIVERSITY – ISONOMIA FOUNDATION • Honorable Mention: URKIDE SCHOOL
Professors and Researchers: • Ms. Icíar Alzaga Ruiz, from UNED • Honorable Mention: Dr. José Antonio Álvarez Bermejo, University of Almería
1st Alares National Awards for the Prevention of Occupational Risks for People with Disabilities
SME • ADISLI (Best Practices at the VIPS Group)Large Company • ALSA
Institutions • FEAPS Madrid
Occupational Risk Prevention Professional • Ms. Ana Ávila Borjabad (Mahou San Miguel Group)
