At ASPA, we are proud to have participated in the Implica (Men in Care) Project, an initiative focused on promoting work–life balance in SMEs, with a specific emphasis on reducing the barriers that prevent men from actively participating in family care. This project aims to promote shared responsibility in work–life balance, creating an environment in which men can take on care responsibilities without fear of repercussions to their professional careers.
Reducing Barriers to Men’s Involvement in Care
The Implica Project, led in Spain by UNED and subsidised by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness together with the European Union, is part of the broader Men in Care (MiC) project. This inter-university initiative was developed between 2015 and 2018 with the participation of twelve organizations from seven European countries. The main objective of the project was to analyse how changes in workplace policies and organisational culture can make it easier for men to take a more active role in caring for children, elderly family members, partners, friends and co‑workers.
Objectives of the Implica Project (Men in Care)
The Implica Project set several key objectives focused on improving work-life balance for men, as well as fostering inclusive work cultures:
- Develop workplace strategies that facilitate men’s participation in care responsibilities, creating replicable models for other organisations.
- Share best practices at the international level to promote work-life balance in different countries and business sectors.
- Establish sustainable multi-stakeholder partnerships, working at both European and national levels, to promote men’s involvement in care.
- Increase the visibility and recognition of men involved in caregiving tasks.
- Improve working conditions, benefiting employees and employers by reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity and job satisfaction.
Key Project Results
Among the most significant results of the Men in Care Project is the creation of guidelines and best‑practice toolkits, designed to help organisations foster inclusive workplace cultures and support shared work–life balance. These tools offer companies practical solutions to implement policies that promote men’s participation in caregiving activities.
The project also organized a series of workshops and training sessions aimed at male employees, giving them the skills and confidence to take on caregiving roles in their families without fear of this negatively affecting their professional development. In addition, social awareness was promoted on the importance of equitably distributing care responsibilities between men and women.
Corporate Social Responsibility: a Pillar at ASPA
At ASPA, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a merely statement, but a daily practice that guides our decisions and actions. We are deeply committed to contributing to the creation of a more just and equal world. Supporting initiatives such as the Implica Project, which promote the advancement of gender equality and co-responsibility in care, is a clear example of how we turn our values into concrete actions.
We are convinced that by promoting equality between men and women, we are not only improving current working conditions, but we are investing in a fairer future for all. Our participation in the Implica Project reinforces this commitment, showing that companies have a crucial role to play in promoting social change.
Learn More
For more details about this important corporate social responsibility initiative and the Men in Care Project, we invite you to visit the project’s official website.