Colombia's maximum legal work week will be reduced to 42 hours starting July 15, 2026 [1], [2].
The shift aims to improve work-life balance for formal employees across the country. By lowering the hourly ceiling, the government intends to align national labor standards with those of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) [1], [3].
The transition is the result of Law 2101 of 2021 [2]. This legislation established a gradual reduction of the work week to ensure that the economy could adjust without sudden shocks to productivity or employment levels.
Under the new mandate, the 42-hour limit applies nationwide to formal workers [1], [3]. A critical component of the law is the protection of worker income, as the reduction in hours must occur without any reduction in wages [3].
Employers are now required to adjust schedules to meet these limits. The government said the move is a necessary step toward modernizing the labor market—bringing Colombia into closer alignment with global trends that prioritize mental health and family time.
While the law mandates a maximum ceiling, it does not prevent employers and employees from negotiating different arrangements, provided they do not exceed the legal limit. The enforcement of Law 2101 of 2021 marks the final stage of a multi-year plan to shorten the traditional Colombian work week [2].
“The maximum legal work week will be reduced to 42 hours without affecting salaries.”
This policy represents a significant shift in Colombia's economic approach, prioritizing labor welfare over traditional hourly output. By tying the reduction to OECD standards, Colombia is signaling its desire to integrate further into high-income global economies where shorter work weeks are often linked to higher productivity and better public health outcomes.
