Labour developments in Spain are impacting both companies and workers. These include shorter working hours, the right to digital disconnection and new leave for adverse weather conditions. These measures aim to improve work-life balance, productivity and job security.
We look at how these changes are affecting businesses and what steps companies are taking to adapt successfully.
Shorter working hours less hours same productivity
The reduction of working hours is one of the most relevant labour novelties in Spain 2025. It establishes a progressive reduction from 40 to 37.5 hours per week without affecting workers’ salaries.
How it will affect business
- A reorganisation of shifts and tasks is expected to maintain productivity.
- Collective agreements must be adapted by the end of 2025
- Incentives are foreseen for companies that implement the measure in advance
This reform follows models in European countries where shorter working hours have improved efficiency and welfare at work.
Right to digital disconnection work-life balance
Another of the new labour developments in Spain 2025 is the consolidation of the right to digital disconnection. This regulation protects employees outside working hours by preventing them from receiving emails or calls outside their working day.
Keys to the right to disconnect
- Companies should establish clear internal protocols
- Clauses on this right will be included in employment contracts.
- The Labour Inspectorate will be able to sanction those who do not comply with the rule.
This is a key measure in an increasingly digitalised world with more and more teleworking.
New adverse weather permit
The Workers’ Statute includes paid leave of up to four days when weather conditions prevent safe travel to work. This is one of the new labour developments in Spain 2025 that seeks to ensure the safety of employees.
Key points of the measure
- To be activated in situations of official weather warnings
- Telework will be encouraged where possible.
- Companies will be able to claim compensation in particularly affected sectors.
The conditions for activating this permit are subject to specific regulation and must be verified by competent authorities.
How companies can prepare
Labour developments in Spain 2025 require companies to adapt their internal policies. To this end, it is essential
- Review and update collective agreements.
- Implement tools to record the working day.
- Design digital disconnection protocols.
- Prepare contingency plans for extreme weather conditions.
It is essential that companies approach these changes with proper planning and strategies to ensure an orderly and efficient transition.
Confianz provides the expert advice companies need to adapt to the new labour regulations, ensuring legal compliance, operational efficiency and a smooth transition.