Congresswoman Proposes to Reduce Weekly Working Hours

In that sense, Congresswoman Susana Prieto Terrazas presented a policy that aims to reduce the weekly work hours to 40, adding a day of rest for workers in Mexico. According to El Economista, this proposal to modify Art. 69 of the Federal Labor Law states that for every five working days, the employee will enjoy two days of rest with full pay, unlike the common practice of having only one day off, usually Sundays.

According to IMSS, seven out of 10 workers suffer work-related stress in Mexico, surpassing countries like China and the US. Among the factors that lead to stress are work overload, ineffective leadership and excessive working hours. Experts have suggested implementing more wellness programs focused on mental health and promoting participation and productivity in the workplace. 

According to data from the Global Workforce of the Future report, carried out by Grupo Adecco in 25 countries including Mexico, 24% of Latin American workers believe their well-being has worsened in the last 12 months because of their work. 

The congresswoman has emphasized that excessively long working hours can have significant consequences for both workers and companies. She cited imbalances between work and private life, which can reduce mental well-being, causing stress, anxiety, job dissatisfaction and reduced quality of life as some of the reasons for establishing an additional day of rest.

Regarding this proposal, the congresswoman stated that "the reduction of working hours is likely to improve the balance between work and private life for employees, thereby increasing the quality of life of workers and their life satisfaction, also known as 'happiness,' mainly in the economy."

Prieto Terrazas’ proposal is under discussion with legislators and she hopes to have the support of the majority of Congress. These specific actions carried out to combat job burnout for the benefit of Mexican workers will lead to an increase in productivity, wrote Francisco Martínez Domene, CEO, Adecco. “These initiatives can be the beginning for the Mexican labor market to not only improve in terms of benefits for workers, but also in terms of competitiveness,” added Martínez Domene.