Global trend shifts toward shorter weekly working hours

A global trend toward reducing weekly working hours is gaining momentum as nations shift from industrial-era models to human-centric, productivity-focused systems. Brazil is a recent example, moving to reduce the weekly work limit from 44 to 40 hours while providing two days of weekend leave without wage reductions.

Historically, the International Labour Organization (ILO) set the first international standard in 1919 at 48 hours per week. Since then, various nations have implemented reforms. France reduced its work week to 35 hours through reforms in the late 1990s and early 2000s, while the United States codified a 40-hour limit in 1938. Iceland successfully piloted 35-36 hour work weeks between 2015 and 2019, reporting improved worker health without productivity loss.

Other regional shifts include Colombia, Chile, and Mexico implementing gradual reductions toward a 40-hour standard. In contrast, Turkey currently maintains a maximum weekly working limit of 45 hours under its existing Labor Law.