A majority of Brazilians support the elimination of the 6x1 work schedule, according to recent polling data [1].
The 6x1 system allows employers to require employees to work six days a week with only one day of rest. A shift in public opinion suggests a growing demand for shorter work weeks and improved labor conditions across the country.
Data from a Datafolha report indicated that 71% of Brazilians approve of ending the 6x1 scale [1], [2]. The findings suggest a strong consensus among the general public regarding the need for a change in how labor hours are structured.
Opposing views remain a minority. CNN Brasil said that 26% of the population disapprove of ending the schedule [1]. However, a report from Datafolha via MSN said the disapproval rate was 27% [2].
Other respondents remained undecided. According to the CNN Brasil data, six percent of those polled did not know or provided no answer [1].
The polls were released in May 2024, reflecting a nationwide sentiment on the maximum number of work days allowed per week [1], [2]. The data highlights a significant gap between the current legal framework and the preferences of the workforce.
This movement toward reducing work hours follows a global trend of discussing four-day work weeks to increase productivity and mental health. In Brazil, the 6x1 scale has long been a point of contention for workers in the service and retail sectors, industries where this specific schedule is most common.
“71% of Brazilians approve of ending the 6x1 scale”
The strong public support for ending the 6x1 schedule puts pressure on Brazilian legislators to consider labor reforms. If the government moves to limit the work week, it could trigger significant economic adjustments for the retail and service sectors, which rely heavily on these extended shifts to maintain operations.
