09 September 2026
Icaza Auditorium
Representatives from the business, public administration and academic sectors took part in the event ‘Work–life balance that creates value: people, talent and competitiveness’, held at the University of Deusto on 9 September. Organised by the Basque Government’s Welfare, Youth and Demographic Challenge, with the support of Deusto Business School, the event provided an opportunity to exchange views on the benefits of work–life balance plans implemented by different companies, both for employees and for business productivity and turnover.
Dean Macarena Cuenca and Regional Minister Nerea Melgosa opened the event, which included the keynote speech: "Work-life balance that creates value: people, talent and competitiveness”, and a section devoted to ‘Work-life balance in practice: business experiences’. The event also provided an opportunity to present the 2026 call for financial support for organisations and self-employed individuals in the Basque Autonomous Community to carry out a situation assessment and develop an Action Plan on work–life balance.
A strong demand for work–life balance
In the words of Regional Minister Nerea Melgosa, measures to promote a better work-life balance help to build more competitive businesses, better-protected families and more dignified lives. “Work-life balance is one of the things families need most these days. The fact that a company or co-operative has a work-life balance scheme and offers support in achieving that balance is the key to well-being in many households in the Basque Country and, in the same way, generates business profits,” she added.
For her part, the Dean of Deusto Business School pointed out that, at the University, we firmly believe that achieving a balance between personal, family and working life is not merely a matter of individual well-being, but a strategic pillar of competitiveness and economic sustainability. In her view, organisations that promote shared responsibility and flexible working environments “not only look after their staff, but also attract and retain the best talent, driving innovation and long-term value.”
Marc Grau-Grau, who will deliver the opening address at the event, is director of the Institute for Advanced Family Studies (IESF) and an associate professor of Social and Family Policy at the International University of Catalonia (UIC Barcelona). As he explained, “when a company offers flexibility that genuinely supports a work-life balance, it changes everything.” There are more and more good examples, a new social need is emerging, and there is a growing demand for work–life balance. Organisations have a social responsibility and must be part of the solution.”
Following the opening address, representatives from Rivera Smart Facility Services and Gosa Vidrala took part in a roundtable discussion in which they outlined the work-life balance measures implemented within their organisations and the benefits these have brought.
2026 financial support for businesses
Financial support for businesses and self-employed workers with establishments in the Basque Country to carry out a situation assessment and develop an action plan on work–life balance for 2026, provided by the Welfare, Youth and Demographic Challenge Department, can be applied for until 30 September. The total amount of the grants is 420,000 euros, and up to 70 per cent of the cost of the plan or assessment is subsidised. The grants are aimed at any private-sector organisation, regardless of whether it is a micro-enterprise, an SME or a large company. Self-employed people will also be eligible to apply for the financial support. To request assistance or further information: familia@euskadi.eus
