Announcements
Diagnosis of the current state of productivity in Spain
Productivity in Spain presents moderate growth and a recent slowdown in 2025, with sectoral variations and a persistent gap compared to Europe.
Although GDP grows about 3% and employment remains strong, productivity per hour worked increases only slightly, highlighting the need to improve efficiency and technology.
Economic growth depends mainly on employment and investment, while productive efficiency advances slowly, evidencing structural limitations in the country.
Moderate growth and recent slowdown
In the third quarter of 2025, total factor productivity (TFP) grew by 0.8%, reflecting a significant slowdown compared to previous years.
Announcements
Productivity per hour worked decreased slightly from 104.34 to 103.91 points in the same period, marking a moderation in the improvement of economic performance.
Sectoral variations and gaps compared to Europe
Services such as commerce, transportation and hospitality showed substantial improvements, while agriculture and construction had declines or moderate increases in productivity.
Although Spain is growing more than the European average, its total productivity and efficiency remain lower, highlighting the need to close these structural gaps.
Announcements
Dependence on employment and investment rather than efficiency
Economic growth is mainly explained by job creation and increased investment, rather than by improvements in efficiency or productive innovation.
Productivity per hour worked is increasing at a low rate and investment in technological and human capital remains insufficient to drive sustainable growth.
Structural limiting factors of productivity in Spain
Productivity in Spain is limited by structural factors that include low investment in innovation and an inefficient economic model.
Market rigidities and a stressed labor market negatively affect competitiveness and the capacity for sustainable growth.
The underutilization of real estate capital and low business turnover also contribute to the country's poor productive performance.
Low investment in innovation, technology and training
Spain invests only 1.4% of GDP in R&D, compared to 2.1% of the European average, which slows down technological development and innovation.
Furthermore, insufficient training and updating of work skills limits the continuous improvement of productivity.
Market rigidities and inefficient economic model
The labor market is not very flexible, with high costs and lack of reforms that make business adaptation and competitiveness difficult.
In addition to this, the economic model is based on intensive consumption and employment, with low investment in high productivity sectors.
Underutilization of real estate capital and low business turnover
Overconstruction and speculation have generated a high stock of underused properties that do not provide productive value.
Low business turnover limits the efficient reuse of resources, affecting economic dynamics and investment.
Stressed labor market with low efficiency and competitiveness
There is a mismatch between labor supply and demand, with unfilled vacancies and unemployed people who do not fit into those positions.
Furthermore, high absenteeism and turnover increase costs, while aging and low generational change aggravate the lack of talent.
Strategies to transform employment growth into greater added value
To increase the added value of employment in Spain, it is essential to promote sectors with high productivity, strengthen training and promote innovation.
Growth must be oriented towards qualified positions that promote economic and social sustainability, prioritizing comprehensive strategies and public policies.
The key is to align employment with higher value activities, supporting technological adaptation and skills development.
Promotion of sectors and jobs with high added value
Sectors such as technology, science, R&D and professional services grow and offer more productive jobs compared to traditional activities.
Strengthening these areas implies promoting the knowledge economy and diversifying the productive structure towards more competitive activities.
Strengthening human capital through training and qualification
Continuous training and updating of skills are essential to improve employability in dynamic and technical sectors.
Public and private plans seek to adapt skills to market demands, facilitating the labor transition and the inclusion of talent.
Support for entrepreneurship, innovation and active public policies
Promoting innovative SMEs and entrepreneurship is key to generating added value and diversifying the Spanish economy.
Active employment policies design strategies to improve the quality of employment and facilitate the connection between labor supply and demand.
Importance and continuous training strategies for productivity
Continuous training is key to improving productivity in Spain, by updating skills and increasing work efficiency.
Constantly training allows employees to adapt to emerging technologies and more innovative processes.
This strategy strengthens competitiveness and fosters a work environment aimed at sustainable growth and innovation.
Constant updating of skills and technological adaptation
Keeping skills up to date is essential in the face of the rapid technological evolution present in productive sectors and services.
Continuing training facilitates the effective adoption of new digital tools and methodologies that improve performance.
Increased motivation, talent retention and innovation
Investing in training increases staff motivation, generating a committed and creative work environment.
Additionally, it encourages the retention of valuable talent and promotes the generation of innovative ideas for business challenges.
Efficient time management and digitalization as productivity levers
Efficient time management, supported by digital time control, improves organization and protects labor rights in Spain.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence increase operational efficiency, automating tasks and supporting data-driven decisions.
Continuous training in digital skills is key to adapting companies and workers to technological challenges and improving productivity.
