Mexico moves toward work-life balance with the arrival of the EFR certificate

The Family-Responsible Company (FRC) certification, an international model that promotes work-life balance, is beginning to be implemented in Mexico with the hope of transforming the country's social and labor environment. Roberto Martínez, global director of this initiative, spoke exclusively about the significance and impact this certification will have on Mexican companies.

For the executive, the efr certification represents an important step toward improving working conditions in Mexico, a country where work-life balance practices are still developing. "We believe that efr, through voluntary action and competitive differentiation, can help an initial number of companies pave the way for many others, adapting well to Latin culture, and particularly to Mexican culture," he explained.

The model offers seven key benefits for organizations that adopt it. Among them, corporate social responsibility stands out, which encourages companies to go beyond mere profit generation and embrace work-life balance as an essential component of sustainability. It also strengthens their reputation as an employer brand, vital for attracting and retaining talent in an increasingly competitive labor market.

Martínez also highlighted that efr helps companies improve compensation efficiency by offering employees an "emotional salary" through work-life balance programs. Other benefits include increased employee engagement, improved employee experience, fostering diversity and inclusion, and promoting health and well-being, aligning with Mexican regulations such as NOM 35 for the prevention of psychosocial risks.

Regarding the reality of work-life balance in Mexico, Martínez clarified that the EFR certification ensures genuine balance. "Through rigorous external audits, we verify that companies actually do what they say they do, and if we detect any discrepancies, they are corrected or they may lose their certification," he stated.

The certification process is based on a clear methodology that encompasses everything from a public commitment from senior management to external audits conducted by renowned firms such as Icontec and Aenor. The implementation time varies, but typically ranges from 6 to 12 months for large organizations.

Martínez emphasized that the certification is relevant for all types of sectors and business sizes, but especially for those seeking to strengthen their employer brand and attract professional talent, such as service, education, and healthcare companies.

Finally, the global director of efr highlighted the fundamental role of leaders in this cultural transformation process: "The efr model is a management model based on leadership. Without the true commitment of managers, work-life balance cannot become a genuine practice within organizations."

With the arrival of EFR, Mexico takes a step toward a more humane, balanced, and competitive future of work, where work-life balance becomes a tangible reality.