Mexico Falls Behind on Implementation of Four-Day Workweek

Amid a global surge in support for a shorter work week, Mexico finds itself at a critical crossroads. While most employees in the country support a shorter workweek, the measure has gained little traction with employers.

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a dialogue on the four-day work week, as employees began to reassess the importance of workplace flexibility and other perks. At the core of this movement lies the concept that workers would maintain their full compensation, benefits and workload while operating on a condensed schedule of four days per week.

Companies embracing a reduced workweek are shifting toward fewer meetings and putting greater emphasis on independent work. This approach aims to prioritize work-life balance, acknowledging that an additional day off enables employees to recharge, tend to personal responsibilities and pursue non-work-related interests. By alleviating the mental strain on employees, this approach enhances worker satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased productivity within the company.

Belgium and the UK were among the first few countries that implemented this approach after successful trials. “The goal is to give people and companies more freedom to arrange their work time,” says Alexander de Coo, Prime Minister, Belgium. In 2021, Spain announced that it would be offering companies the option of a four-day workweek.

A staggering 94% of Mexican employees would be in favor of adopting a four-day workweek, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll for Citrix. Despite this stated preference, Mexico is known for its prolonged working hours, raising questions about the potential transformation of Mexico's labor landscape. 

In Mexico, over 40% of people work six days a week. “A lot of people work 10 or 12 hours daily and on top of that they take up to four hours going to work and back home… That’s not life,” says Mexican Congresswoman Susana Prieto. Congress passed a ruling in May 2023, to amend the Constitution and reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours per week, leading to a five-day workweek. 

Despite holding the longest work hours in Latin America, the labor reform is encountering resistance from business groups who assert that its implementation may have adverse effects on small and medium-sized enterprises.