Sheinbaum Administration Commits To 40-Hour Workweek By 2030

On Labor Day, workers across Mexico took to the streets to call for a shorter workweek, and it appears their message reached the halls of power. The federal government has now pledged to implement a 40-hour workweek by the end of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s term in 2030.

Speaking during a Labor Day lunch at the National Palace with union leaders and labor representatives, Labor Minister Marath Bolaños confirmed that the 40-hour workweek is firmly on the administration’s agenda.

“Before the end of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s term in September 2030, the government will gradually install a mandatory 40-hour workweek,” Bolaños said.

He reminded attendees that this goal is listed as Promise No. 60 among Sheinbaum’s 100 commitments to the country. “We are convinced that giving workers eight extra hours of free time each week will contribute to national development,” he added.

President Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue to determine the best path forward.

“We realize we can’t execute this reform from one day to the next, so it is important to agree how it can best be achieved,” she said.

Nationwide Consultations Begin in June

To ensure the reform reflects a wide range of views, Sheinbaum announced a national dialogue scheduled to take place from June 2 to July 7. The discussions will bring together workers, union leaders, employers and academics.

Bolaños said the Labor Ministry would organize public forums in cities across the country to collect feedback and proposals. “The goal is to dignify the labor of all workers,” he said. “This will add hours to [workers’] lives, boost family welfare and increase employee happiness.”

He also dismissed concerns about reduced productivity, stating that fewer hours do not necessarily mean less output.

Thousands took to the streets on May 1 to demand a 40-hour workweek, a long-standing objective of Mexico’s labor movement.

Graciela López/Cuartoscuro

Legislative Efforts and Challenges

The idea of a 40-hour workweek has been under debate since 2023, when Deputy Susana Prieto of the ruling Morena party introduced a bill to reform Article 123 of the Constitution. While the business sector strongly opposed the proposal, and a commission was formed to study it, the bill never advanced to committee.

Since the new legislature took office in September 2024, 10 separate bills have been submitted to support the proposed workweek reform. However, lawmakers remain divided on how to implement it.

In October 2024, Deputy Juan Ignacio Zavala of the Movimiento Ciudadano party proposed a one-year pilot program to study the impact of reduced hours on productivity. His bill also suggested that some sectors receive government subsidies or exemptions.

Deputy Manuel Vázquez, also from Movimiento Ciudadano, proposed a staggered implementation based on business size: large companies would have six months to comply, medium-sized firms one and a half years, small businesses two years, and micro-enterprises three and a half years.

Other proposals include phased reforms over two years, beginning with company reorganization, followed by a five-and-a-half-day workweek during the second year.

Labor reform advocates stress that transitioning to a 40-hour workweek can alleviate burnout and enhance employees' mental health. According to Dr. Susan David, a renowned psychologist, emotional agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced work culture. She notes that when employees are given more time for personal pursuits, they return to work rejuvenated and more productive.

To make this shift effective, companies should consider piloting flexible hours or compressed workweeks, allowing employees to find the best balance that suits their needs while maintaining organizational goals.

Officials unveiled the 40-hour workweek objective during a lunch with labor representatives at the National Palace.

Presidencia

Labor Minister Marath Bolaños said a shorter workweek will improve well-being without reducing productivity.

Presidencia

The Importance of Work-Life Balance

Experts in organizational psychology emphasize the significance of work-life balance in enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Daniel Pink, a noted author in motivation and business, argues that shorter workweeks can lead to improved focus and creativity among workers. He points out that organizations that embrace flexible scheduling often see higher levels of engagement and lower turnover rates.

Implementing gradual transitions to a 40-hour workweek allows businesses to adapt while reassessing productivity metrics, ultimately leading to a healthier work environment.

Alternative Proposals and Business Concerns

Not all reform bills aim for a strict 40-hour workweek. Last month, Labor Party Deputy José Alberto Benavides introduced a bill mandating a seven-hour workday. That proposal would bring the workweek to 42 hours while maintaining a six-day schedule.

The business community has responded with counterproposals, including introducing flexible work hours, transitioning from a daily to an hourly minimum wage, and providing incentives for small businesses that may struggle to adapt.

Despite the differences, the government remains committed to moving forward with labor reform that aims to balance productivity with quality of life. The months ahead will test whether consensus can be reached on one of the most significant labor policy changes in Mexico’s recent history.

Psychological Insights & Implications

The commitment to a 40-hour workweek by the Sheinbaum administration reflects a growing recognition of the importance of employee well-being in workplace productivity. Experts like Malcolm Gladwell, an influential author, argue that societal shifts towards shorter work hours can lead to innovative thinking and an overall healthier workforce.

As companies and governments embark on this gradual reform, the focus should not only be on hours worked but also on the quality of work-life integration, ensuring that both employees and organizations thrive in this new landscape.