IBERDROLA has won the National “Alares” Prize for work-life balance in the Large Company category. The prize was received by the company's head of human resources, Ramón Castresana, from the Spanish minister of labour and immigration, Celestino Corbacho.

The prize judges unanimously ruled to salute IBERDROLA for its policies supporting a healthy balance among its employees’ work, family and personal lives.

In 2007, IBERDROLA became the first Ibex 35 company to introduce a continuous flexible working day for 7,300 of its employees. The move garnered both higher productivity and improved employee satisfaction.

Other work-life balance facilities allow employees to work shorter days on full pay for the first twelve months of parenthood, to take fifteen days' paid leave before childbirth, or even extend their shorter working time arrangement for a period of ten years’ guardianship of a minor. IBERDROLA has designed control, monitoring and measurement systems using internal and external audits, earning a top score for its policies in support of maternity and recognition for its drive in favour of equal opportunities.

The company’s Plan Familia helps employees’ family members with disabilities to undertake active job-seeking. Specific training is available on work-life balance, including a course designed for senior executives of the group.

In 2006, IBERDROLA became the first power company to earn certification from the Fundación + Familia charity as a Family-Friendly Company, and it has recently had its certificate renewed. 

Last March, IBERDROLA introduced its equal opportunities plan, a further step in gender non-discrimination. The scheme breaks new ground in the business world: for instance, it helps protect employees at risk of gender violence.

The company’s work-life balance philosophy springs from its overarching work-life balance and equal opportunities policy, adopted last year by the board. The move reflects IBERDROLA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility as one of the core values of its business.

About the Alares Foundation

The Alares Foundation seeks to respond to growing public concern about the implications of the emerging shape of welfare and new social protection needs. Alares conducts research, provides services and plays an advisory role in relation to dependants, work-life balance, and the social responsibility of individuals, companies and institutions.