Spain expands work schedule options for parents and caregivers
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In Spain, workers with children under 12 or dependent family members can now request adjustments to their work schedules, including remote work or altered hours, without losing pay.
Spanish law recognizes a worker’s right to balance family and personal life without financial penalty. The adaptation of a work schedule allows employees to redistribute their hours, work remotely, or switch shifts to better manage their commitments, all while maintaining their current salary.
Workers can request changes to their hours or shifts without reducing their workload. The right extends to those caring for dependent relatives, parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, or cohabitating partners, and applies to children up to 16 years old in some collective bargaining agreements. This right is personal, cannot be transferred, and is protected from arbitrary company decisions. To request a schedule adaptation, workers must submit a written request at least 15 days before the desired start date.
Employers have 15 days to negotiate and respond in writing. If the employer fails to respond within the timeframe, the request is automatically approved. While employers can deny a request, they must provide objective, organizational, or economic reasons and offer alternatives if possible. Workers can also return to their original schedule when circumstances change.
