In 2026, Spain shows a notable recovery in job creation, reaching pre-pandemic levels thanks to economic activation and public policies.

However, this employment growth does not translate into proportional progress in labor productivity, raising questions about the quality of economic growth.

The challenge lies in achieving a balance between increased employment and improvements in productivity to consolidate sustainable and competitive development.

Economic context and employment forecasts

Spain projects GDP growth of 2.4% for 2026, accompanied by an increase in employment by 2.3%, with a reduction in unemployment to 10%. This panorama reflects labor dynamism driven by domestic demand, European funds and immigration, which expect to create almost one million jobs in two years, although economic growth slows compared to 2025.

The main challenge lies in maintaining this positive trend, despite risks such as regulatory costs and wage pressures that could affect the sustainability of economic growth and the labor market in the short and medium term.

This context is key to understanding the evolution of employment in Spain by 2026, highlighting notable growth compared to previous years, despite feelings of slowdown in general economic activity.

GDP growth projections and job creation in Spain

Spanish GDP will grow by 2.4% in 2026, supported by domestic demand, services and investment as the main drivers of economic growth. An annual creation of approximately 480,000 jobs is expected until 2027.

With this dynamic, the unemployment rate will drop from 10.6% in 2025 to 10% in 2026, supported by robust key sectors and the positive impact of immigration on the expansion of the active workforce.

These indicators reflect an expanding labor market, with constant job creation that will strengthen economic and social well-being if appropriate support policies and structural reforms are maintained.

Comparison of the Spanish labor market and the European average

Spain exceeds the European average in the rate of job creation and GDP growth, however it maintains structural weaknesses in productivity and per capita income compared to its European partners.

Factors such as the medium-small size of companies and slow technological integration limit labor competitiveness, while the reduction in teleworking has affected the attraction of young talent and labor flexibility.

These structural characteristics mark the main challenge for Spain not only to grow in employment, but also to improve the quality and productivity of work compared to Europe.

Persistent challenges in labor productivity

Despite growth in employment, Spain faces difficulties in improving its labor productivity, a key factor in sustaining long-term economic development.

Advances in job creation do not translate into equivalent increases in productivity, affecting competitiveness and the ability to increase income per worker.

These productive challenges reflect structural and technological limitations that require attention so as not to compromise economic or social progress in the future.

Impact of the reduction of hours worked and labor reforms

Recent labor reforms drive the reduction of hours worked, seeking to improve quality of life, but may limit the increase in productivity per employee.

This reduction in hours, although it benefits the worker, could slow down total production if it is not accompanied by greater efficiency and modernization.

Reforms need to balance incentives to maintain stable employment while increasing productivity through better conditions and training.

Technological gap and shortage of digital talent in Spain

Spain faces a deficit in technological integration, with many medium and small companies lacking digital innovation to boost their productivity.

The lack of qualified digital talent aggravates this problem, making the agile adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence or automation difficult.

Reducing this gap is essential to transform the labor market, improving capabilities and competitiveness at a global level, and thus increase productivity.

Solutions to boost productivity through digitalization

Digitalization emerges as a key to improving productivity in Spain, allowing more efficient and competitive processes in all economic sectors.

Adopting innovative technologies is vital to breaking the structural limitations that slow down real growth in labor productivity.

Furthermore, strengthening digital skills in the workforce is essential to fully take advantage of the technological potential available.

Integration of artificial intelligence and innovative technologies

The incorporation of artificial intelligence can optimize repetitive tasks and improve decision making, increasing efficiency in companies.

Other technologies such as big data, automation and machine learning facilitate innovation and increase the productive capacity of key sectors.

These tools must adapt to the specific needs of each company, promoting competitiveness and generating sustained added value.

Training and development of digital skills in the worker

Investing in continuous training is essential for workers to acquire advanced digital skills demanded by today's market.

Training programs combined with practical experience make it possible to close the digital talent gap and improve job adaptability.

The constant development of digital skills encourages greater productivity and can increase the quality and value of employment in Spain.

Outlook and recommendations for 2026

By 2026, Spain must focus on taking advantage of digitalization to increase its productivity and compete better globally.

Employment growth must be accompanied by a significant improvement in workers' digital skills.

Only in this way can the labor market be transformed into a more efficient, innovative one with higher salaries for the population.

Expert opinions on the need for technological adaptation

Experts agree that technological adaptation is crucial to avoid losing competitiveness compared to other advanced countries.

They highlight that artificial intelligence and automation are essential tools to optimize business productivity.

Likewise, they highlight that digitalization must be personalized to the size and needs of each company to achieve better results.

Policy recommendations to improve competitiveness and wages

It is recommended to promote policies that encourage investment in technology and continuous training of the workforce.

Furthermore, it is key to promote incentives for companies to adopt innovations that increase sustainable productivity.

These measures can increase competitiveness, improve salaries and reduce the digital divide in the Spanish labor market.