Introduction
Mexico is making strides towards a 40-hour workweek, aligning with global discussions on work-life balance. Although the target year of 2030 might seem distant, recent announcements signal progress in this direction.
The Current State of Work Hours in Mexico
Currently, many workers in Mexico exceed the 40-hour workweek, with two out of three working more than 40 hours and one in four surpassing the legal limit of 48 hours, according to OECD data. This normalizing of extended work hours has sparked discussions about the need for change.
Government Initiative and Business Response
On May 1, during International Workers’ Day, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that a 40-hour workweek would be implemented by January 2030 at the latest. While workers eagerly anticipate this change, businesses express concerns about the timing and potential impact on Mexico’s investment appeal.
Luis Peña’s Perspective
Luis Peña, a partner at People Advisory Services in Mexico, acknowledges that reducing work hours is long overdue. The government’s announcement has provided much-needed clarity, particularly for the business sector.
Previous Attempts and Current Progress
An initiative similar to the current proposal was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies in October 2022 but failed to advance. The new administration has reignited the debate, promising an inclusive dialogue.
Case Studies: Walmart and 3B
Walmart (Walmex)
Walmart de Mexico and Centroamérica (Walmex) have been running a pilot program for 18 months in 100 stores, implementing a 40-hour workweek. This initiative aims to identify bottlenecks, eliminate unnecessary processes, and explore automation opportunities to boost productivity in their supermarket chain.
Tiendas 3B
Tiendas 3B, a discount store chain, is reorganizing work schedules and shifts to accommodate the upcoming reduction in the standard 48-hour workweek. Anthony Hatoum, the president and CEO, assures that they have some flexibility due to part-time positions in their stores.
Understanding the 40-Hour Workweek Reduction
The proposed constitutional reform aims to recognize two days of rest for every five workdays, which implies lowering the weekly work limit from 48 to 40 hours. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), by 2005, half of the world’s countries had already adopted a 40-hour workweek, while a quarter had weekly limits between 41 and 46 hours.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation regarding work hours in Mexico? Many workers exceed the 40-hour workweek, with two out of three working more than 40 hours and one in four surpassing the legal limit of 48 hours.
- What is the government’s stance on reducing work hours? President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that a 40-hour workweek would be implemented by January 2030.
- How are businesses responding to this change? While some, like Walmart and Tiendas 3B, are proactively preparing for the transition, others express concerns about the timing and potential impact on investment appeal.
- What is the significance of the 40-hour workweek reduction? This reform aims to establish a healthier work-life balance by recognizing two days of rest for every five workdays and lowering the weekly work limit from 48 to 40 hours.
