Labour law: work-life balance

Work Time Reduction for Caregiving Calculator

Calculate your new salary, SS contributions for the first 2 years (RDL 2/2021) and real employer saving. Art. 37.6 ET. Instant result.

Work time reduction is a subjective right: the worker chooses the specific hours within their normal schedule. During the first 2 years, Social Security contributions are based on full working time (RDL 2/2021 + STC 66/2022).

Care recipient

Child's age (years)

Right ends at 12 years old (Art. 37.6 ET)

Monthly gross salary (€)

€

Current working hours (h/week)

New requested hours (h/week)

Valid range: between 20.0 h (max 50% reduction) and 35.0 h (min 1/8 reduction)

Requested reduction

50.0%

20.0 h/week less

New salary

€1,000.00

−€1,000.00/month

SS contributions (key for future pension)

Years 1-2 (RDL 2/2021: full contribution): €2,000.00/month
From year 3 (proportional to hours): €1,000.00/month

Real employer cost (negotiation argument)

Current cost (salary + employer SS): €2,592.00/month
Cost after reduction: €1,296.00/month
Employer saving: −€1,296.00/month

Right to specific schedule (Art. 37.7 ET): The worker determines the specific hours and period. The employer must document any opposition. Disputes are resolved by the Labour Court through urgent and preferential proceedings (Art. 139 LRJS).

Validate your case with Lexiel

Generate the written request for work time reduction with the correct legal grounds.

Manage reduction request with Lexiel →

Art. 37.6 ET (RDLeg 2/2015) · RDL 2/2021 · STC 66/2022 · Art. 139 LRJS. Indicative calculator; consult a labour lawyer.

Legal basis

Right to reduction (Art. 37.6 ET): Workers can reduce their daily working hours by between 1/8 and 1/2 to directly care for a child under 12, a family member up to the 2nd degree who cannot look after themselves, or a fostered minor. The reduction carries a proportional salary reduction.

Right to specific schedule (Art. 37.7 ET): The worker freely chooses the specific schedule and period of use within their ordinary working hours. The employer can only object on documented objective organisational grounds. Disputes are resolved by urgent and preferential proceedings before the Labour Court (Art. 139 LRJS).

Full contributions for first 2 years (RDL 2/2021 + STC 66/2022): For the first 2 years of caregiving work time reduction, SS contribution bases are computed at 100% as if the employee worked full-time. This protects the future retirement, disability and family benefit entitlements of the worker.

Unpaid leave: If the worker needs more time, they can request unpaid leave of up to 3 years for child care (Art. 46.3 ET) or up to 2 years for family care.

Work time reduction for caregiving FAQ

What work time reduction can I request for childcare?

Under Art. 37.6 ET, you can reduce your working hours by between 1/8 and 1/2 of your standard working time to care for a child under 12. The salary reduction is proportional.

Do I lose Social Security contributions when reducing working hours?

Not for the first 2 years. Royal Decree-Law 2/2021 established that SS contributions are based on full working time for the first 2 years of caregiving work reduction, protecting your future pension. Upheld by STC 66/2022.

Can the employer refuse a work time reduction request?

No, if you meet the legal requirements. It is a subjective right (Art. 37.6 ET): you choose the specific schedule. The employer can only oppose the specific hours with documented organisational reasons. Disputes are resolved urgently by the Labour Court (Art. 139 LRJS).

Up to what age of the child do I have the right to work time reduction?

Until the child turns 12 (Art. 37.6 ET). For caregiving of a family member up to the 2nd degree who cannot look after themselves, there is no age limit on the person being cared for.

Questions about family care reduced hours?

Lexiel explains the right to reduced hours for childcare (up to age 12) or dependent family members, the procedure and your rights against the employer.

Ask your legal question from €9.90/mo