Work-life balance
La work-life balance, also known as Work–life balance, It refers to all those policies and measures that allow a person to reconcile their professional activity with their personal and family life. It is about creating work environments that respect individual times and promote well-being.
Some Work-life balance examples can be:
- Remote working or hybrid working
- Leave days for family matters
- Social benefits such as nursery Vouchers for families with children under 3 years of age
In addition to improving employees' quality of life, these measures promote gender equality, This allows both of them to take on family responsibilities without limiting their professional development.
equal opportunities, work-life balance contributes to a a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable corporate culture. It also has a positive impact on motivation, reduces absenteeism and favours talent retention within the company.
Why implement a work-life balance policy in the company?
Having a work-life balance policy brings multiple benefits at the company level. Among the most prominent:
- Increased productivityEmployees who feel supported in their personal lives work more efficiently and with greater commitment.
- Reducing absenteeism and turnoverWork-life balance measures improve the workplace atmosphere and reduce stress, which translates into fewer sick days and greater team stability.
- Talent attraction and retentionOffering flexible working environments makes the company a more attractive place to work, especially for skilled professionals who value a work-life balance.
- Promotion of gender equalityConciliation allows for a more equitable distribution of family responsibilities, making it easier for both men and women to access the same opportunities for professional growth.
- Improving corporate reputationCompanies that invest in work-life balance are perceived as socially responsible, which enhances their image both internally and externally.
- Regulatory complianceImplementing these policies helps to adapt to current legislation, such as the new Paternity and Family Leave Act, avoiding legal conflicts and strengthening a culture of compliance.
Work-Life Balance Act
In Spain, the Law to promote work-life balance for workers it is primarily articulated through the Workers' Statute and has been reinforced by various legislative reforms.
Among the main rights are the following:
- Work schedule adjustment without pay reductionSince March 2019, any employee can request changes to the duration, distribution, or method of carrying out their working day – including remote working – without needing to provide justification related to family responsibilities. This measure aims to guarantee equal opportunities and a better work-life balance.
- Childbirth and childcare leave (maternity and paternity)16 weeks paid leave for both parents: uninterrupted for the mother; 4 weeks mandatory after childbirth and the remainder to be taken before the child turns one, for the father.
- Breastfeeding leaveThe right to take one hour off daily (or split into two 30-minute breaks) until the baby is 9 months old. This can also be accumulated into full days (usually 15 calendar days).
- Parental leave:
1) Up to 3 years in the case of a child's birth, adoption or foster care.
2) Up to 2 years for the care of family members up to the second degree of consanguinity.
- Reduction in working hours:
Possible for the care of minors up to 12 years of age or dependent relatives.
2) In cases of a child's serious illness, the reduction may be maintained until they are 18 years old.
Implies a proportional reduction in salary.
- Annual leaveMinimum legal 22 working days per year (2.5 days per month worked), with the possibility of extension by collective agreement.
- Protection against redundanciesThe exercise of any of these rights shall not be grounds for dismissal or sanction, which reinforces the legal certainty of workers wishing to balance their work and personal lives.
Other practical measures for work-life balance
In addition to the rights recognised by law, companies may apply complementary measures which promote a true work-life balance. Some of the most effective are:
- Grant additional paid leave days before the start of maternity leave, to facilitate rest and preparation for childbirth.
- Encourage remote working or hybrid models on a regular basis, not just in exceptional situations, allowing for better management of time and family responsibilities.
- Implement intensive working hours, especially in the summer months, allowing employees to concentrate their working day into fewer hours without reducing productivity.
- Establish flexible remuneration plans, which allow employees to allocate part of their gross salary to services such as nurseries, transport, training, or health insurance, with effective tax benefits.
- Offering social benefits tailored to family needs, as Nursery cheque, care for dependants or emotional and psychological support programmes.
These actions, which are voluntary on the part of the company, not only contribute to improving employee well-being but also to retaining talent and strengthening organisational culture.
Edenred Guardería: a real solution for working families
At Edenred, we believe that work-life balance should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer Edenred Guardería, a solution designed to help families cover the cost of childcare in the early years, one of the most challenging stages in terms of work-life balance.
Some of the Reasons to implement Edenred Guardería in your company:
- The company is improving its employee benefits policy and promoting family well-being.
- The process is 100Did you have any other questions?% digital, flexible and easy to manage via Edenred Flex.
Thanks to this tool, many companies are already facilitating Work-life balance in a tangible and effective way.
Discover how to implement this solution in your company!
