Workweek Reform, AI Readiness, Future Workforce: Week in Talent

This week, Mexico prepares to present its 40-hour workweek reform as companies brace for deep workforce shifts heading into 2026. New research reveals significant AI readiness gaps across Latin America, even as Mexico celebrates global recognition for entrepreneurial education and prepares for Google’s first AI lab in Puebla. Together, these developments highlight a labor market in rapid transformation, shaped by regulatory change, innovation demands, and evolving talent expectations.

Ready? This is the Week in Talent!

Mexico to Present 40-Hour Workweek Reform Proposal on Nov. 20

Mexico’s federal government is preparing to present a proposal on Nov. 20 to reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours, marking the culmination of a months-long process that began with a commitment by President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier this year. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) is expected to deliver the initiative to Congress, where discussion will begin before the end of the current legislative period.

Workforce Trends Companies Must Prepare for in 2026: Randstad

The Mexican labor market is entering 2026 with structural pressures that demand more than annual planning cycles. Companies are being pushed to rethink how they recruit, develop and retain talent as technological adoption accelerates and younger generations reshape expectations in the workplace.

Mexico Faces Significant Gaps in AI Readiness: Salesforce

Salesforce’s new Global AI Readiness Index places Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina well below global benchmarks in their capacity to adopt and scale agentic AI, highlighting structural gaps that could slow regional competitiveness. The findings point to low adoption, fragile regulatory foundations, limited innovation capacity and persistent talent shortages.

Tecnológico de Monterrey Tops Global Entrepreneurship Ranking

The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 rankings place Tecnológico de Monterrey as the top international undergraduate school for entrepreneurship studies. The acknowledgment places the Mexican institution among the world’s leading universities fostering entrepreneurial education and innovation.

Google to Launch First Mexico AI Lab in Puebla in 2026

Google will begin installing its first AI lab in Mexico in January 2026. The project, to be developed in Puebla, is expected to operate within the federal government’s Development Hub for Wellbeing in San Jose Chiapa. The initiative aligns with ongoing public investment in electric infrastructure designed to support energy-intensive companies. Manuel Tierno, Commercial Manager, Google Cloud, confirmed the project during the Tech Capital Summit held in Puebla.