Parental leave and the gender gap: Business Climate in Spain 2025

Royalty-free stock photograph created by Nastuh Abootalebi on Unsplash.

Business Climate in Spain

A study by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce reveals that 66% of companies do not consider the extension of parental leave to be detrimental. However, the report, prepared in conjunction with Sigmados, confirms the persistence of the gender gap in management positions, especially in sectors such as industry and construction.

A study of the Cámara de Comercio de España It reveals that 66% of companies do not consider the extension of parental leave to 19 weeks, in effect from 2026, to be detrimental. The report, prepared in collaboration with SigmadosIt confirms the majority perception that the measure has a negligible or minimal impact on productivity, although it also underlines the persistence of the gender gap in management positions, especially in sectors such as industry and construction.

Parental leave, with no significant impact on productivity

The results of the latest Study on the Business Climate in SpainThe data, published in a context marked by the extension of paid leave for birth and childcare to 19 weeks by 2026, dismantles the perception that these work-life balance measures hinder business activity. According to the data collected by Sigmados for Cámara de Comercio de EspañaTwo out of three Spanish companies (66%) say that the regulations have an impact low or non-existent on their productivity levels. This analysis, carried out just before the enlargement came into effect, suggests a favorable adaptation of the business sector to the new co-responsibility policies.

The gender gap persists in the industry and in management positions

Despite the positive outlook on parental leave, the study highlights structural challenges regarding gender equality. While women now represent half or more of the workforce in 42,1% of companies, alarming underrepresentation persists in certain sectors. Key sectors for the economy, such as construction and manufacturing, remain predominantly male: in 58,5% of construction companies and 38,4% of manufacturing companies, women make up less than 20% of the total workforce.

This inequality is even more pronounced at the highest levels of responsibility. In almost half of the companies analyzed (49,1%), women hold less than 20% of management positions. In fact, more than a third of the companies have no women on their management teams . Although there has been moderate progress compared to the previous year—the percentage of companies with gender parity in management has increased from 32,5% to 36,2%—the gap remains significant. The situation is particularly critical in the construction sector, where 62,8% of companies have fewer than 20% female managers.

Key Indicator of the Business Climate Study	Relevant Data (%)
Companies that see little or no impact of parental leave on productivity	66 %
Women in management positions (less than 20% of positions)	49,1 %
Companies with no women in management positions	More than 33%
Female presence in construction workforces (less than 20%)	58,5 %
Main obstacle to female advancement (lack of work-life balance)	47,3 %
Most effective work-life balance measure (flexible working hours)	56,4 %

Work-life balance, key to the rise of female talent

From Cámara de Comercio de España It is emphasized that the results of the study highlight the need to continue promoting policies of reconciliation and co-responsibilityThese are not only tools for equality, but also for "harnessing all the talent available in the business world."

Companies themselves have identified the root of the problem. 47,3% cite the difficulty of balancing professional and family responsibilities as the main obstacle to women's access to senior management positions. In this regard, the most valued solution is flexible working hours , considered by 56,4% of companies to be the most effective measure for fostering a more equitable work environment.

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