This is the Mercadona agreement admired at Harvard: Up to 12 years of leave and bonuses for languages

In a few years, Mercadona has become one of the most powerful employers in Spain and one of the most endorsed by its labor policy. With the vocation of having all its permanent employees and very attractive conditions in a sector that until now was less attractive for workers.

The company defends on its website that its is a work model in which “they stand out for offering stable and quality employment through a Human Resources Model that promotes training, internal promotion and equity, among other values”.

Mercadona’s Human Resources policy has been recognized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and it is the first company in the Distribution sector in the Merco Talent ranking.

But the latest reference to Mercadona’s working conditions comes from , a publication associated with the reputable university, which points out the Valencian company’s ability to “turn bad jobs into good jobs.”

Up to 12 years of leave to care for children

Part of the blame for these good reviews of Juan Roig’s company lies with his . To get an idea, its framework on equal treatment and opportunities occupy a third of the legal text.

In addition, they draw attention above all their leave policy, which can be extended up to 12 years for childcare. The job in question is kept for one year, but a return to the company is ensured for the rest of the period.

To take care of dependent people, the leave also goes to 5 years, as in the case of victims of gender violence, which have a period of 18 months.

Plus for speaking languages ​​of 255 euros

Another of the characteristics that have made Mercadona a benchmark is its bonus policy. The company takes , to which it pays 3 extra payments in addition to this dividend.

It also stands out for paying 255 euros per month to managers who speak foreign languages ​​and, above all, for implementing a revolution in the sector a year ago: the guaranteed two-day rest.

This measure allows all store staff to work. But, in addition, this new working day introduces a pioneering initiative in the sector, since all the workers of the Mercadona supermarkets will have 8 long weekends a year (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).