OECD Director: No Evidence of Job Crisis from Reduced Work Hours
“We have no evidence that the reduction of work hours has caused an employment crisis, neither in SMEs nor in the business sector,” asserts Mario López Roldán, Director of the OECD Center in Mexico for Latin America. On the contrary, countries that have reduced their working hours are characterized by high competitiveness.
40-Hour Workweek Opportunity for Mexico to Enhance Productivity and Worker Health
In an interview with El Economista, the OECD representative states that Mexico’s transition to a 40-hour workweek presents an opportunity to improve productivity, competitiveness, and worker well-being. “The vast majority of OCDE member countries are below 40 hours.”
Historical Context and Global Trends
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), by 2005, half of the world’s economies already had a 40-hour workweek. The international organization began promoting reduced working hours in the latter half of the 20th century.
The experience in other economies that have advanced in reducing their working hours reveals improvements in productivity and more competitive companies, as it fosters a trend of working better, which positively impacts company competitiveness.
Gradual Implementation and Sector-Specific Rules
López Roldán emphasizes that although analysis is necessary, dialogue among stakeholders and the design of appropriate rules have enabled other countries to transition without negative impacts, capitalizing on the benefits of working fewer hours.
“It’s natural for employers to be somewhat concerned, but providing support tools will enable them to face this transformation successfully, as has occurred in other countries. We have no records indicating that this has led to a crisis,” he affirms.
Gradual implementation, sector-specific sensitivity, support for SMEs in technological adoption, and setting appropriate timelines for each industry have been common factors in successful reduced work hour initiatives, according to the OECD representative.
These factors must be based on a solid technical analysis. Some industries may progress faster than others.
“In countries like Spain, the reform has included systems for tracking hours, a digital registry of schedules that allows inspectors real-time access to employees’ working hours.”
While a reform of this magnitude requires clear rules, it’s also crucial to ensure proper implementation. “It shouldn’t be the case that businesses send a WhatsApp on Saturdays due to urgent needs; it’s essential that the implementation is well-executed.”
Human Aspect: Health and Dignity of Workers
Beyond the economic perspective, López Roldán highlights that Mexico’s aspiration for a 40-hour workweek has a component of health and dignity in the workplace.
“Mexico has a significant opportunity to revalue one of its primary assets: its workers. When given proper training, good salaries, and benefits, Mexican workers can be among the most dynamic, productive, and cooperative in the OCDE. Mexico should view this as a chance to give its labor force fair value, one of its key assets.”
Mexico lags behind in work-life balance, with 27% of employees working extended hours—the highest proportion among OCDE countries. Moreover, Mexican workers report the worst work-life balance, with only 13.5 hours daily for leisure and personal care, compared to the OCDE average of 15 hours.
“There’s a significant imbalance between personal life and work, implying that Mexicans have much less time for rest, leisure, education, sports, and family,” López Roldán stresses.
A shorter workweek could benefit workers by reducing stress levels, creating a virtuous cycle in worker well-being and potentially decreasing healthcare costs.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Has the OECD found evidence of job crises due to reduced work hours? A: No, there is no evidence of job crises caused by reduced work hours in SMEs or the business sector.
- Q: What opportunities does a 40-hour workweek present for Mexico? A: It offers opportunities to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and worker well-being.
- Q: How have other countries successfully implemented reduced work hours? A: Through gradual implementation, sector-specific sensitivity, support for SMEs in technological adoption, and setting appropriate timelines.
- Q: What is the significance of work-life balance in Mexico? A: Mexican workers face a significant imbalance between personal life and work, with extended hours and limited leisure time. A shorter workweek could improve this balance and reduce stress levels.
