Colombia reduces maximum work week to 42 hours

Colombia officially implemented a maximum work week of 42 hours on Wednesday, July 15 [1, 2].

This shift represents the final phase of a broader labor reform aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. By limiting the hours employees are required to work without reducing their pay, the government seeks to create a more sustainable balance between professional obligations and family time [1, 2].

The mandate applies across the entire national territory [1, 3]. The government, led by President Gustavo Petro, established the change through a decree to ensure the transition to shorter hours does not result in salary cuts for workers [1, 2].

There are varying reports regarding the previous labor standards leading up to this change. Some records indicate the work week was previously 48 hours ^[3], while other reports state that the limit had already been reduced to 44 hours in the weeks immediately preceding this latest update ^[2].

The transition to a 42-hour limit is part of a phased approach to modernize the Colombian labor market. This policy aligns the country with global trends toward shorter work weeks to combat burnout and increase productivity [1, 2].

Companies nationwide must now adjust their scheduling to comply with the new legal maximum. Because the law prohibits salary reductions, employers are required to maintain current pay levels despite the decrease in total hours worked [1, 2].