Following reflection on a couple of its EU partners farther to the north, let’s take a look at the Iberian peninsular. Spain is located far enough south to offer a marvellous climate throughout many months of the year. It delivers such a consistent number of sunny days that international residents can even forget to talk about the weather.
At times it can become extremely hot. Yet also blanketed in snow. The country is normally blessed with enough precipitation during most years be one of Europe’s abundant fruit and vegetable gardens.
Spaniards have managed to develop a fascinating outlook upon life. Their daily rhythm can fly in the face of the norms of many other cultures. Traditionally, longer days are often balanced by closing for a few hours in the afternoon. Siestas are still enjoyed, while office hours can be rather flexible.
Somewhat frustratingly though, punctuality and commitment can be be hit and miss, yet most aspects of society function well. However, other facets surprise and frustrate. For instance, train delays became so rife that the state owned company raised the compensation threshold from thirty minutes to one hour. Solution found, but not customer friendly. Salaries can be excruciatingly low, so many employees return to live with their parents. Issue not resolved.
Cronyism & Nepotism
Concerning employment, a vast divide can be found. A surprising number of jobs are offered to friends and relatives. Too many such employees are claimed to be less competent to fulfil the expectations those positions require and yet the renumeration offered are can be higher than the norm. However, in general terms, the number of jobs today that are considered underpaid is far too high. High level and skilled candidates are required to deliver beyond their level of pay.
Sadly it is also noteworthy that sexual discrimination is still widespread too. Generally, women earn lower pay than their male compatriots. Furthermore, in many cases, females will not even be considered suitable for a position, merely due to their gender.
A change in regulations introduced by government appears to have resulted in somewhat challenging data collection. Anyone who has worked for only two months of the year is no longer considered to be unemployed from a statistical point of view.
Even though scarcity may arise through Spaniards relocating abroad, many choose to return after having spent lengthy periods in countries with disastrously grey skies and wet pavements. The weather really can have an enormous effect upon some of us.
And yet, innovation is at the forefront of business development and the startup sector is booming. Green agendas are also sprouting results. Young, agile and dynamic entrepreneurs or companies are leading the way.
Although changes have been made to tax regimes more recently, total deductions for anyone self-employed can still be be crippling. It feels as if the government wishes people to remain in employment rather than become an entrepreneur.
Political Influence
Aspects affecting the job market can arise from a variety of angles. Reflecting upon Catalunya reveals conflicting circumstances. A number of years ago, political unrest resulted in an exodus of some 3,000 companies relocating to other regions of Spain.
More recently, the city of Barcelona has invested in a specialised service centre to help recruitment. In their own words they support “human resources managers or people in charge of business recruitment teams and organisations which sign foreign talent to work in Barcelona (multinationals, start-ups and SMEs operating on an international scale) companies wishing to hire expat employees”.
More nationals speak fluent English today than only a decade ago. Whilst startups tend to be multicultural, many traditional companies quite naturally communicate internally in Spanish as well as, say, Catalan in Barcelona. They thus require a good grasp of language from candidates. This may be a barrier to hiring expats.
Having attempted to learn myself, I can attest to discovering a sense of easy flow can greatly contradict complex grammatical structures. If the incredible speed with which many native Spanish speakers articulate themselves is added to the mix, grasping the language may not come so easily to foreigners looking for a job.
Posts on the topic of hiring English speakers appear regularly in expat groups in several locations on social media. The lasting impression hints that it is not so easy, yet perseverance can prevail. Spain continues to send mixed signals to potential expats.
Aspects affecting the job market can arise from all angles. We are known as human beings. We appear, however, to be human doings. And yet we often seem act only when there is enough pain. Germany is a fine example. Chronic shortages of professional staff over decades only led to piecemeal legislative adjustments. Limiting thresholds were adjusted and the situation is improving. Spain needs to act, if they wish to attract more international talent.
Barcelona International Welcome: https://www.barcelona.cat/internationalwelcome/en
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