And there’s growing evidence that putting people first leads to better results. International studies show that employees who feel genuinely supported by their employers tend to be more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with the company. Policies that promote greater flexibility and help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities can also reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve emotional well-being. At the same time, diversity and equal opportunities encourage innovation and bring fresh perspectives to decision-making, helping companies create more inclusive workplaces that are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
But the benefits don’t stop at the workplace. Creating quality jobs, supporting families, and giving everyone a fair chance to grow professionally can help reduce inequality, strengthen social ties, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. That’s why more and more companies are recognizing that taking care of their employees isn’t just a responsibility. It’s also a way to create value for society as a whole.
The efr (Family Responsible Company) certification, awarded by Fundación Másfamilia, recognizes organizations that put people at the heart of their strategy and help employees thrive at work without sacrificing their personal and family lives. It reflects a company’s commitment to work-life balance, flexibility, and shared responsibility, as well as its efforts to make these principles an integral part of its culture and day-to-day operations.
Mapfre recently achieved the Excellence A rating for its efr certification, one of the highest international distinctions in work-life balance, equal opportunities, and responsible people management. More than 1,200 organizations in more than ten countries currently hold the certification, but only 36 have achieved the Excellence A rating.
This highest level of recognition reflects the progress Mapfre has made in integrating these policies into its management practices. The company has introduced a range of measures to help employees balance their professional and personal lives. These include flexible working hours, various options for reducing working hours for family or health reasons, and leave and other forms of support related to maternity, paternity, adoption, and family caregiving. In many cases, these benefits go beyond legal requirements.
These efforts reflect Mapfre’s broader belief that employee well-being is essential to fulfilling its purpose, “We care about what matters to you.” This approach is rooted in the conviction that only by taking care of its own people can the company provide the best possible service to customers and make a positive contribution to society.
The results highlight the progress Mapfre has made with this strategy. The company continues to promote flexible working arrangements tailored to employees’ individual needs, helping them balance their work, personal lives, and family responsibilities. More than 20,700 employees have access to remote work options, nearly 19,700 have flexible working hours, and over 14,300 have benefited from paid leave. These initiatives help improve employees’ quality of life, strengthen their commitment to the company, and create healthier, more inclusive workplaces. Mapfre is also making progress on gender equality. In 2025, women held 35.4% of management positions, a figure that continues to rise. Women also accounted for 50.3% of internal promotions and 54.6% of new hires. Employees with disabilities account for 4.2% of the company’s workforce, and Mapfre continues to implement initiatives designed to ensure all employees have equal opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers.
Employee well-being is no longer simply an added benefit. It has become a key factor in business competitiveness. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, engaged employees tend to be more productive, have lower absenteeism rates, and stay with their employers longer. That’s why more and more organizations recognize that investing in work-life balance, health, professional development, and equal opportunities does more than improve the employee experience. It also helps build more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous societies.
