Why the 40-Hour Week Makes AI an Operational Necessity

The gradual transition to a 40-hour workweek is reshaping priorities for Mexican businesses. The challenge is no longer simply working fewer hours, but maintaining productivity without proportionally increasing operating costs. 

Under the proposed timeline to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours between 2027 and 2030—by two hours annually—organizations will need to rethink how work is distributed and accelerate the adoption of technologies that enable greater operational efficiency. 

For Sesame, artificial intelligence has moved beyond being an innovation initiative and has become a critical tool for navigating this transformation. 

The shorter workweek is leading organizations to reassess how time is distributed—identifying which activities demand human judgment and empathy, and where technology can enhance efficiency. AI is no longer a vision of the future; it is already a powerful ally that frees up valuable time, enabling teams to concentrate on the work that truly drives business impact.

The challenge comes at a time when many organizations still face significant technology gaps. Mexico’s National Human Resources Survey 2026 found that the use of automated tools to comply with new labor requirements scored just 2.98 out of 5, highlighting substantial room for accelerating the digitalization of human resources processes. 

Among the most significant applications of artificial intelligence are the automation of administrative tasks, report generation, information analysis, document management, and support for recruitment and training processes. By reducing time spent on repetitive activities, organizations can redirect talent toward strategic, higher-value functions that drive business growth. 

However, adopting new technologies also requires the development of new capabilities. The same survey found that 82% of employees reported receiving no training in the use of general-purpose artificial intelligence tools, indicating that digital skills development will be one of the greatest challenges during this transition. 

The adoption of AI is already delivering measurable benefits. According to "Unlocking the Potential of AI in Mexico 2025,: a study conducted by AWS, 38% of Mexican companies are already using artificial intelligence tools, and 88% of those that have implemented them report significant productivity improvements. 

This trend is also reflected in organizational investment priorities. Mexico’s "National Human Resources Survey 2026" identifies technology as one of the top strategic investment areas for human resources departments over the coming years, second only to talent development and training.

For Sesame, the transition to a 40-hour workweek represents an opportunity to transform the way organizations operate. The combination of human talent, automation, and artificial intelligence will enable companies to maintain competitiveness while creating more efficient, sustainable, and people-centered workplaces. 

About Sesame: Sesame is a Spanish HR software company focused on redefining the employee experience. Its platform enables organizations to digitize routine HR processes, giving leaders and human resources professionals more time to focus on talent, professional development, and employee well-being—ultimately driving business growth and strengthening organizational culture. Today, Sesame serves more than 15,000 clients and 500,000 users across more than 30 countries in Europe, the United States, and Latin America. Its solutions combine innovation, data analytics, and intuitive design to help HR teams make better decisions, foster employee engagement, and build workplaces where people want to stay and grow. 

For more information about the National Human Resources Survey Mexico 2026:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbVFxWMuBKU23u4vJH-yZ_l9C56u9eQ0/view?usp=sharing 

Media Contacts

Ángela Correa 

a.correa@sesametime.com

Fernando Gutiérrez

 fgutierrez@tascomm.net