ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE | implementing decree signed; benefit not yet claimable
Italy has introduced a financial incentive for employers that obtain certification under UNI/PdR 192:2026, the new standard assessing company policies for balancing family life and work.
Certified companies may receive an exemption from employer social-security contributions of up to 1%, subject to a maximum of €50,000 per year. The certification remains valid for 36 months, while the relief is available no later than 31 December 2028. If the allocated public funding is insufficient, however, the benefit may be proportionally reduced.
Certification requires measurable policies supporting maternity, paternity and family-care responsibilities. It is therefore more than a statement of good intentions: employers must demonstrate that appropriate organisational measures and monitoring systems are actually in place.
For international groups, the incentive creates an opportunity to connect Italian employment policies with wider ESG, diversity and employee-retention strategies. Existing group initiatives may provide a useful starting point, but they must be adapted to the Italian certification requirements and employment framework.
The scheme is not yet fully operational. Employers must await INPS instructions and the opening of the online application procedure. In the meantime, companies can assess whether the expected contribution saving and reputational value justify the certification process and its implementation costs.