Teleworking in Spain: what do you need to know for your company?
In the last year, teleworking in Spain has positioned itself as one of the most viable options due to the confinements we have been facing. For that reason, the new Telework Law project wants to prepare companies in case that need arises.
Whether your team teleworks completely or a few days a week, in this article, we'll show you how it should work and some tips to make it happen.
Teleworking, what is it?
It is important to distinguish teleworking from telecommuting.
Although they are very similar, teleworking is the one that is done outside the company through a communication system. In this method the employee does not have to travel to the work offices but must follow certain guidelines decided by the company.
Home work, on the other hand, is that which, for some agreed reason or through collective bargaining, is carried out at the employee's home or place of choice. In this case, the work does not necessarily depend on a company but is the responsibility of the worker. For example: a graphic designer who has the tools to work only at home.
Occasional home-based work is that which is carried out from time to time, either a few hours a day or certain working days a week.
Evolution of teleworking in Spain: figures
In 2020, 8.3% of the working population teleworks, while in 2006, only 5.2% of society did so. In the confinement reached 34% of the employed population.
23.3% of the employed have an option of teleworking or telecommuting in their company. Currently, the age group that uses it the most is those over 45 years of age, 9.9% of this age group.
Almost 50% of the teleworking population corresponds to scientists, technicians and professionals. The remaining 20% is occupied by administrative tasks, accountants and office employees.
All predictions indicate that telecommuting and teleworking will increase exponentially as the years go by.
@Computing Spain
Telework law in Spain, how do we apply it?
As far as confinement is concerned, many workers were forced to telework without previous preparation or experience. Companies also did not know exactly how to deal with this new situation.
That is why, in September 2020, the new bill was approved in Spain by Royal Decree Law 28/2020, which allows the regulation of telework.
Who is affected?
It affects any worker who performs more than 30% of his/her working day remotely for a total of 3 months. The worker who wants to request it must do it freely and, preferably, by means of a signed agreement.
What measures are proposed?
- The company must cover or compensate the costs of teleworking.
- The right to digital disconnection must be guaranteed when the working time has been fulfilled.
- The protection of the data derived from the work in the company must be ensured.
- Teleworking can always be reversed by the worker, at no time should it be considered as mandatory.
- The company must ensure job security, even if it is from home.
- Remote workers must be treated exactly the same as those in the office. This also applies to business communication.
- Telecommuting can be chosen either by family or business force majeure.
Good practices to apply teleworking in your company
Telecommuting or teleworking is a very good option for the team and even for the company. It allows workers to better reconcile their professional and personal lives and, therefore, feel more appreciated.
To implement it in your company, it is a good idea to put certain practices into practice:
- Make sure your team has good equipment and tools at home. If not, it may be worth investing in them.
- Set up different meetings with those who have chosen this modality so that they feel motivated and listened to.
- Use different monitoring tools and software to obtain better results.
- Establish a common work routine for everyone: have lunch at the same time, start the day with a coffee and video call, etc.
- Set up a way of working based on objectives, without taking into account the exact time dedicated to the task. Example: finish 3 important tasks per week.
- Use a system of visibility of the tasks to be performed, such as a control manager.
- Conduct training for workers.
So, you know, dare and try all that teleworking has to offer to your company!
Article translated from Spanish