Since 2023, the country has been carrying out a gradual process of reducing working hours, an initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of workers and increasing their productivity. Law 2101 of 2021 modified article 161 of the Substantive Labor Code, establishing a progressive decrease in working hours weekly that will go from 48 to 42 hours.
Currently, we are in the second year of implementation of the law, which means that the maximum working day has been reduced to 46 hours per week. Starting July 15, 2025, this figure will be reduced to 44 hours, and finally, in 2026, the goal of 42 hours per week will be reached.
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Workers excluded from the reduction of working hours
The reduction in working hours applies to the majority of public and private sector workers. However, there are some exceptions:
- Public servants with special rules: Those public servants who are not governed by the Substantive Labor Code are not subject to the reduction.
- Workers with special schedules: Those who do not comply with an eight-hour daily workday do not benefit from the measure either.
- Minors: Minor workers with an employment contract, whose maximum work day is six hours, do not experience changes in their schedule.
It is important to note that the reduction in working hours does not affect the current salary of workers. This means that the value of the working hour increases, since the same remuneration is received for fewer hours worked.
In the event that a company fails to comply with the law, this can be considered just cause for the unilateral termination of the employment contract by the employee, which is known as constructive dismissal. In this case, the worker is entitled to significant compensation.
The reduction in working hours is expected to bring various benefits, both for workers and companies. Workers will have more free time to rest, devote to their families and personal activities, which can contribute to their physical and mental well-being. In addition, a shorter workday can generate greater productivity by improving workers’ concentration and performance.
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Reducing hours will allow workers to dedicate more time to their personal activities, improving the balance between their work and personal life. Likewise, a shorter work day can help reduce stress levels among workers.which translates into a better work environment.
