## The Revolutionary Move by MarSenses Hotels
The hotel sector was abuzz with alarm when the potential for reducing working hours to 37.5 hours a week surfaced. Industry leaders predicted dire consequences—closures and a loss of competitiveness were among the bleak forecasts. However, a small hotel chain in the Balearic Islands, MarSenses Hotels, has turned these fears on their head, demonstrating that such a shift can lead not only to business resilience but also employee satisfaction.
### Overcoming Industry Fears
The hospitality and tourism sector was particularly vocal against the proposed reduction in working hours, with many arguing that it would result in significant cost increases. Estimates suggested a rise in labor costs by 6% to 8%, equating to over 2.5 billion euros in additional expenses. The CEHAT employers’ association warned that this change would lead to 112 fewer minutes of work per employee each week and disrupt the sector’s fragile economic balance.
### MarSenses: A Case Study of Success
In a bold move, Rodrigo Fitaroni, CEO of MarSenses Hotels & Homes, chose to proactively adopt the reduced working hours model without waiting for government legislation. In 2023, he implemented a 38.5-hour workweek, which was further reduced to 37.5 hours in 2024. The outcome? A significantly motivated workforce and a thriving business.
### Boosting Employee Well-being and Productivity
Fitaroni emphasized the aim of improving work-life balance and employee well-being. If initial results continued to be positive, he planned to explore further reductions in working hours. Alongside the reduction, MarSenses also raised wages by 8% over the past two years, surpassing the average annual salary increment of 3.8% in the hospitality sector.
### Unprecedented Results
Contrary to the sector’s warnings, MarSenses has seen a dramatic drop in absenteeism, plummeting below 5%—a striking contrast to the industry average, which ranges from 14.8% to 20% in the Balearic Islands. This improvement in employee commitment coincided with a rise in revenue per available room. Fitaroni, who has extensive hands-on experience in hospitality, affirmed, “We are trying formulas that no one has tried.”
### Caring for “Kellys”
MarSenses has also made history by implementing exceptional measures for housekeepers, often referred to as “kellys.” These employees, who typically endure grueling workloads, have their hours reduced to 37.5 per week, and workers over 58 benefit from a further reduction to just 32 hours. Sara del Mar García, president of Kellys Unión Baleares, commented on this groundbreaking initiative, urging other hotel chains to follow suit.
### Conclusion
The experience of MarSenses Hotels stands as a testament to how thoughtful labor policies can not only coincide with profitability but can also enhance workforce satisfaction. By dispelling the myths surrounding reduced working hours, MarSenses has paved the way for a new era in the hospitality industry—one that prioritizes both employee well-being and operational success.