Colombia reduced its standard weekly workweek from 44 to 42 hours starting July 15 [1], [2].
This shift represents a significant change in the country's labor landscape, aiming to improve worker conditions and align with a progressive reduction of hours mandated by national legislation.
The changes are the result of Law 2578, which was enacted on June 1 [3]. This legal framework allows the government and labor authorities to implement a phased reduction of the working day to enhance the quality of life for employees across the nation.
Beyond the reduction in hours, the reform introduces new financial protections for laborers. The surcharge for work performed on a rest day has increased to 90% [1]. Additionally, the base for calculating extra-hour pay has been adjusted to 210 hours per month [4].
These adjustments coincide with other recent calendar changes. The government declared July 13 a national holiday [3].
Labor authorities said the measures are designed to modernize the workforce and ensure fair compensation for those working beyond the standard schedule. Employers must now adjust their payroll systems to accommodate the new 210-hour monthly base [4], and the higher rest-day premiums.
Under the new rules, any work performed beyond the 42-hour weekly limit is considered overtime. The transition to this shorter week is part of a broader strategy to balance economic productivity with worker well-being — a trend seen in several other emerging economies.
“Colombia reduced its standard weekly workweek from 44 to 42 hours”
The implementation of Law 2578 signals a shift toward a more worker-centric labor model in Colombia. By reducing the standard workweek and increasing the cost of rest-day labor, the government is incentivizing employers to optimize productivity within shorter timeframes while raising the financial cost of overtime. This may lead to a broader restructuring of shift management and payroll accounting across the private and public sectors.
