Mexico Upskills,Reforms Advance, Gaps Persist: The Week in Talent

Mexico leads Latin America in Generative AI education, recording a 356% surge in course enrollments on Coursera. As digital transformation accelerates, a new EY study warns that low digital readiness could hinder Mexico’s global competitiveness. Meanwhile, formal labor protections for app-based workers take effect without compromising gig economy flexibility, and momentum continues for the 40-hour workweek reform. However, June saw a net loss of over 46,000 formal jobs, even as permanent employment reached a 16-year high.

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Mexico Leads Latin America in Generative AI Courses: Coursera

Mexico recorded the highest growth in Generative AI course enrollments in Latin America, according to Coursera’s 2025 Global Skills Report. The country saw a 356% year-over-year increase, significantly outpacing the global average of 195% and the North American average of 135%.

Reform Formalizes App Labor Rights, Preserves Flexibility

Mexico’s labor reform for app-based workers has taken effect without altering the core business model of digital platforms, focusing instead on providing labor protections and legal certainty for drivers and couriers. According to the STPS, the reform formalizes rights without removing the operational flexibility that defines gig work.

Mexico Moves Forward with 40-Hour Workweek Reform

At the Fifth Forum for the Implementation of the 40-Hour Workweek, Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Marath Bolaños, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to placing workers at the center of the country’s labor transformation, emphasizing that this shift will not hinder economic growth.

Mexico Loses 46,378 Jobs in June: IMSS

As of June 30, 2025, Mexico's formal labor market recorded 22.3 million jobs registered with IMSS. Of the total, 87.5% are permanent positions, the highest share recorded for June in the past 16 years, while 12.5% are temporary.

Low Digital Readiness Risks Mexico’s Competitiveness: EY

Mexico’s private sector reports a digital maturity level of 41.7% in 2025, according to EY’s latest Digital Maturity Study, well below the 70% benchmark considered necessary for global competitiveness. Conducted in partnership with Needed Education, the American Chamber of Commerce, and KIO, the study assesses the adoption of digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, and data management across Mexican organizations.