Spanish companies continue to embark on a crusade to return to the office. Despite constant evidence of the benefits of remote work. Despite the fact that productivity in general increased during the pandemic. Despite the fact that in the last three years a deep regulatory framework has been created so that workers can work from home. Despite more and more positions being offered with teleworking. Despite the fact that, to make matters worse, Spain has consolidated its position in the top 5 of the best countries for teleworking in 2023.
This is attested to by the latest report from the Global Remote Work Index, which leaves no room for doubt: Spain is a true paradise for teleworking. In fact, it has maintained fourth place in the world ranking since last year. This classification is based on factors such as quality of life, internet security and technological infrastructure. An opportunity for the development of a new business ecosystem that contrasts notably with the general trend of companies returning to the traditional model of in-person presence. Because?
Let’s take the DeLorean for a second and go back in time. In 2019, only 2.5% of workers enjoyed regular teleworking in Spain, according to Eurostat data. During the pandemic, that percentage was reduced to almost 10%. In 2023, we have fallen to just over 5%, which places us further than ever from the European average (8.7%). That is to say, while in the EU the pandemic served to establish remote work, the data seems to show that Spanish companies used it as a temporary patch.
Paradox of digital transformation for companies of the 20th century
This conceptual difference with respect to our European neighbors is what is leading most companies to opt for returning to the office as a generalized strategy. But at this point something truly paradoxical happens: this resistance collides head-on with the next gen funds, which continue trying to promote the digital transformation of Spanish companies. For example, until February 2023, 113,000 digital kit vouchers had been granted. Almost as if Spanish companies wanted to create the next Amazon or Google, but with a 20th century work model.
At the same time, there are isolated niches that are really committed to the digitalization of the business model (and the consequent promotion of teleworking). We are talking, of course, about cities like Malaga or Valencia, which in recent years have become true technological ‘hubs’. Even in the Levantine capital, a pilot project is underway to implement the 4-day working day in companies that wish to do so, with specific aid to compensate for the reduction in working hours with the same salary. That is to say, while institutions and the public sector try to accelerate the process of digital transformation of our economy, the vast majority of Spanish companies are suspicious of the benefits of that same digitalization.
In this context, flexibility stands as a third way: hybrid work. And here it must be said that it is the workers themselves who endorse it. According to a recent Sodexo study, while 70% of employees prefer days with teleworking options, more than half of them (53.1%) prefer a hybrid modality (combining in-person and home work), while only 16% for completely remote work.