The terms “work schedule” and “working hours,” while often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings: working hours refer to the daily or weekly hours worked, while the work schedule organizes working and rest days. Currently, the proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) by Congresswoman Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) aims to reduce the weekly working hours from 44 to 36, replacing the 6×1 schedule with a 4×3 model, involving four workdays and three days off. This measure seeks to improve workers’ quality of life, boost productivity, and align Brazil with international trends.
In Brazil, a 44-hour workweek is stipulated by Article 7 of the Federal Constitution, and the 6×1 schedule is prevalent in sectors like commerce and services. If approved, the PEC will require operational adjustments, such as expanding staff and revising shifts, leading to significant initial costs, particularly for labor-intensive industries.
International experiences highlight the benefits of reduced working hours. In Iceland, pilot programs between 2015 and 2019 reduced working hours to 35–36 per week without salary cuts, maintaining or increasing productivity while reducing stress. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, 61 companies implemented a four-day workweek without salary reductions, with most reporting increased productivity and improved work-life balance. In Germany, the 100-80-100 model resulted in enhanced employee well-being, reduced stress, and increased motivation, though large-scale adoption remains challenging.
These findings underscore the need for context-specific adaptations. According to International Labor Organization (ILO) data, Brazil ranks 7th among G20 countries in terms of weekly working hours, emphasizing the importance of exploring alternatives like pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility of the 4×3 schedule before widespread implementation.
Automation and operational efficiency are essential strategies for mitigating costs and maintaining competitiveness, while dialogue between the government, unions, and companies is vital for balancing interests. Multinational companies that already adopt shorter workweeks can leverage this shift in Brazil as an opportunity to expand global policies and attract talent. However, small- and medium-sized enterprises face significant challenges, such as increased costs and the risk of informality. Vulnerable sectors may turn to automation, which, while efficient, could increase unemployment.
The transition to the 4×3 model has the potential for structural transformation, but requires careful planning to ensure benefits for workers without compromising businesses’ economic sustainability.
Sources:
https://revistaforum.com.br/global/2024/11/12/vida-alem-do-trabalho-pais-europeu-que-adotou-semana-de-trabalho-de-dias-169200.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com; https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/economia/macroeconomia/empresas-britanicas-aprovam-semana-de-quatro-dias-de-trabalho/?utm_source=chatgpt.com; https://www.huffingtonpost.es/politica/veredicto-alemania-cambio-vamos-alla-rp.html