Denbora erabiltzeko modu berriak
Nuevos usos del tiempo
Innovative Uses of Time

In recent years, Bilbao and Bizkaia have been undergoing major changes that have affected the population’s lifestyles and time management. Faced with this situation, the City Council of Bilbao and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia are supporting the creation of the NETWORK of AGENCIES in BILBAO and BIZKAIA, consisting of firms and organisations that are committed to the achievement of better time management and the reconciliation of work and family and personal life.

Our Network’s best practices

CONTACT PERSON:
Ms. Ana Urrutia Beaskoa
Managing Director

Carlos Gangoiti, 22
48300 Gernika (Bizkaia - Spain)
Phone: +34 902 540 819
e-mail: grupotorrezuri@grupotorrezuri.com
www.torrezuri.com

PROCESS

In 2002, the Managing Director’s pregnancy led her to consider that the need for reconciling family life and work was one that the people working in the company already had or would also have at some time in the future.

That signalled the beginning of the implementation of measures that are included in the Management Plan, culminating in a Reconciliation Plan that was rolled out in 2005, under the auspices of the AURRERATU Reconciliation Project, which helped the company to set down in writing a culture that already existed in practice, helping to define and disseminate those measures, and extend their use via the intranet.

The company’s management has a written pledge to make a case-by-case study of all the needs in reconciliation expressed by employees that cannot be covered through the Reconciliation Plan. Accordingly, there is a task force for improving the work climate that considers each proposal, and monitors and assesses the company’s reconciliation policy.

MEASURES

Flexibility in the use of time

  • Flexible working timetable: all the geriatric caregivers on the morning and afternoon shifts may leave work early if they finish all their tasks in time, and only one person needs to remain behind until the next shift starts, with this being considered paid time.
  • A compressed working week: the workday may be extended by working two shifts in a row in exchange for a day off.
  • Paid time off for attending to administrative matters: option of leaving work (if the shift cannot be changed) for a short time (a few minutes or hours) for attending to administrative matters while the person’s colleagues cover for them.
  • Employees are totally free to swap shifts upon prior notification to management and with its approval.
  • Geriatric caregivers may choose between a single holiday period or partial ones, as long as there is no conflict with all their other colleagues and it is functionally possible for the company.

Flexibility in the workplace

  • Working from home: management staff may occasionally work from home or from another suitable place.

Leave and time off

  • Leave of absence for family reasons with the right to return to the same position maintained for a longer period than as stipulated by law and in the collective wage agreement. Employees may take a leave of absence in order to care for children, the elderly, or the sick and disabled, with a guaranteed right to return to their original job.
  • Leave of absence may also be taken for personal reasons, with the same right to return to their original job. The period for which the job is held open will be negotiated with the company’s management, and is to comply with Staff Reintegration Policy: the company has mechanisms for refreshing those people who are to return to work after a prolonged absence, such as, for example, the right to attend quarterly team meetings.

Other measures

  • Canteen service and rest area.
  • Payment of the service for caring for dependents: whenever there is a need to do overtime to cover for unexpected staff contingencies or sudden sick leave, payment will be provided for the care services involving dependent persons.