Reduction of working hours will increase workforces by up to 17%: AON

MEXICO - The reduction in working hours would imply a growth in workforces of between 12% and 17%, according to AON estimates. However, in practical terms, the decrease in working hours would be smaller, since the maximum working time in the market is 46 hours per week.

According to the firm's Unionized and Non-Unionized Personnel Compensation Survey, companies in the northern part of the country would have the largest workforce adjustment with an average growth of 17.5 percent, while workplaces in the central zone would increase their workforce by 12.5 percent.

The reform to reduce the working day is a commitment made by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who promised that during her six-year term, a 40-hour week will be achieved.

Although legally the current workday has a limit of 48 hours, AON research confirms that on average industries have 46 effective hours. In this sense, the reform would have a minor impact on companies.

Although a reform of this magnitude does represent a growth of personnel in companies, Rocío Hernández, director of Talent and Compensation Consulting at the firm, said that the change is also an opportunity to optimize processes and improve the competitiveness of companies.