Brazil has taken a major step toward reshaping its labour landscape. Congress has approved a constitutional amendment reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours and ending six day schedules. More than 30 million workers will benefit, with around 16 million gaining an extra day off each week. The change is expected to have the biggest impact on retail, hospitality and food service staff, many of whom earn low wages and face long hours.
The reform was strongly backed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who positioned it as a priority ahead of the 25 October presidential runoff. Lula argued that shorter weeks would give workers more time to rest, care for families and improve quality of life. The proposal originated from a grassroots TikTok campaign called Life Beyond Work, started by a pharmacy assistant who later entered politics.
The measure passed the Senate with overwhelming support—75 votes in favour and only one against. Far right senator Flavio Bolsonaro, initially opposed, eventually voted for the amendment after acknowledging broad public backing. Polls showed over 70 per cent of Brazilians supported the change, making it politically difficult to resist.
Implementation will be phased. After formal approval, six day workweeks will be abolished and the weekly limit will drop first to 42 hours, then to 40 after 14 months. Business groups had warned of possible job losses, while some politicians suggested linking pay directly to hours worked. Yet, researchers highlight that reduced hours could ease exhaustion, improve social lives, and particularly benefit women balancing paid work with household responsibilities.
For HR leaders globally, Brazil’s move underscores a growing trend: shorter workweeks are not just about productivity—they are about wellbeing, equity, and redefining the future of work.
