A Simpler, Fairer Future for Workers Reform Path Begins
On May 1, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum officially instructed the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) to begin reducing the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours. This change would shift the workweek from six days to five, giving workers two full rest days. It’s a major step toward improving work-life balance and aligning Mexico with international labour standards.
The reform is part of a broader plan to modernise working conditions and promote social wellbeing.
To make this change official, Article 123 of the Mexican Constitution must be amended. The proposal is currently under review by the Chamber of Deputies If approved, it will be published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación and gradually rolled out across the country. The government aims to complete the transition by January 2030, giving businesses time to adjust without disrupting productivity or increasing costs.
A Broader Labour Reform Package
In addition to the shorter workweek, the reform package includes several other proposals aimed at improving workers’ rights and benefits. One key change is the proposal to double the mandatory Christmas bonus (aguinaldo) from 15 to 30 days’ salary, giving workers more financial security during the holiday season. Another proposal would extend paternity leave from 5 to 10 days, allowing new fathers more time to support their families. The reform also introduces inclusive hiring requirements, asking employers to ensure a part of their workforce includes older adults (aged 60+) and people with disabilities. These changes reflect a strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and family wellbeing.
Shaping Reform Together
To ensure the reform reflects the needs of all sectors, the STPS held a series of national forums in June and July 2025. These forums brought together business leaders, unions, and labour experts to discuss the reform and help shape how it will be implemented. This open and collaborative process is designed to build consensus and ensure the reform is practical and fair for everyone involved.
Step-by-Step Implementation
Rather than making the change all at once, the government plans to reduce working hours gradually. According to early guidance from the STPS, the reduction will begin in 2027, with one to two hours cut per year until the 40-hour target is reached by 2030. This phased approach gives companies time to adjust shift schedules, manage staffing, and avoid sudden increases in overtime.
Global Standards, Local Impact
Mexico currently has one of the longest workweeks among OECD countries. This reform aims to bring the country in line with international labour standards, especially those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which recognises a 40-hour week as a global benchmark. The government believes this change will improve workers’ quality of life, increase productivity, and modernise the labour market for the 21st century.
The Road Ahead for Employers and Workers
Employers are encouraged to begin preparing for the transition by reviewing shift structures, planning for potential overtime changes, and updating hiring strategies. For workers, the reform promises more rest, better work-life balance, and greater dignity in the workplace. The government has made it clear that these changes are designed to support both social well-being and economic growth.
Leap29 Perspective on the Reforms
“Mexico’s shift to a 40‑hour workweek is a smart move that brings the country in line with global labor standards. It improves work‑life balance, boosts productivity, and creates a fairer, more competitive environment for employers and employees alike. This is exactly the kind of modernisation we’re starting to see worldwide.” — Simon Duff, Director, Leap29
How Leap29 Can Help
As Mexico moves forward with this historic labour reform, Leap29 is here to support businesses and professionals through the transition. Whether you are restructuring your workforce, adapting compliance strategies, or seeking talent aligned with new labour standards, our global recruitment expertise ensures you are ready for every step. We collaborate closely with employers across sectors to deliver tailored solutions that support growth, flexibility, and long-term success in a changing labour landscape. Get in touch with Leap29’s Global Expansion team today to learn how we can support your workforce planning in Mexico and beyond.
