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 this reason, the new Telework Law project aims to prepare companies in case this need arises.
Whether your team teleworks completely or just a few days a week, in this article, we'll show you how it should work and some tips on how to make it happen.
Teleworking - what is it?
It is important to distinguish teleworking from homeworking.
Although they are very similar, teleworking is the one that takes place outside the company by means of a communication system. In this method, the employee does not have to travel to the workplace but has to follow certain guidelines decided by the company.
Meanwhile, home-based work is work that, for some agreed reason or through collective bargaining, is carried out at the home or place of the employee's 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 working tools only at home.
Occasional home-working is work that is carried out from time to time, either a few hours a day or a few working days a week.
Teleworking developments in Spain: figures
In 2020, 8.3% of the working population is teleworking, compared to only 5.2% of society in 2006. In confinement, 34% of the employed population is teleworking.
23.3% of the employed have a teleworking or telecommuting option in their company. Currently, the age group that uses teleworking the most is the over 45s, 9.9% of this age group.
Almost 50% of the teleworking population are scientists, technicians, and professionals. The remaining 20% are administrative tasks, accountants and office workers.
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 was 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 draft law was passed in Spain by Royal Decree Law 28/2020, which allows for the regulation of telework.
Who is affected?
It affects workers who work more than 30% of their working day remotely for a total of 3 months. The worker who wants to request it must do so 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 when working time has been completed must be guaranteed.
- The protection of data derived from working in the company must be ensured.
- Teleworking can always be reversed by the employee, but should never be considered as compulsory.
- The company must ensure job security, even if it is from home.
- Remote workers should be treated in exactly the same way as those in the office. This also applies to business communication.
- Teleworking can be chosen either because of family or business force majeure.
Good practices for 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.
In order to implement it in your company, it is good to put certain practices into use:
- Make sure that 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 get 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 goal-oriented way of working, without taking into account the exact time spent on the task. Example: finish 3 important tasks per week.
- Use a system of visibility of the tasks to be carried out, such as a control manager.
- Conduct training for workers.
So, you know, take the plunge and try out all that teleworking has to offer your company!
Article translated from Spanish