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Experts Evaluate Whether the Country Is Ready to Work Less Without Compromising Competitiveness and Jobs
Brazil occupies a peculiar place in the global scenario: it is one of the countries with the most holidays in the year, totaling 12 national holidays, in addition to dozens of state and municipal holidays, according to the federal government. At the same time, it faces high inflation, unstable economic growth, low productivity, and a chaotic tax system.
In light of this, the proposal to reduce the classic 6×1 work schedule — working six days and resting one — to 4×3 — working four days and resting three — excites many, but also generates a necessary debate about whether Brazil is truly ready for this model.
The Birth of the 6×1 Work Schedule in Brazil
The 6×1 work schedule was introduced by the CLT in 1943, during the government of Getúlio Vargas. It represented a turning point for labor rights at the time. Until then, long workdays of up to 14 hours were common.
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The paid weekly rest was an important victory, ensuring that for every six days worked, Brazilians could rest at least one — usually on Sundays.
Brazil at that time was essentially an agricultural and industrial country. Today, the scenario has changed completely, but the 6×1 model persists, although it is being questioned.
The Weight of Holidays in Brazil
The Ministry of Economy counts 12 fixed national holidays. When we add state and municipal holidays, some regions can have up to 20 days off per year. In parallel, about 30% of the employed population works in essential sectors, such as health, security, and commerce, according to the IBGE, where holidays are practically invisible in practice.
This scenario of frequent interruptions already poses operational challenges, and therefore some argue that transitioning to a 4×3 schedule would require even more robust planning.
Brazil in the Global Productivity Ranking
When we look outside, the contrast becomes evident. According to data from the OECD and the World Bank, the countries that have been experiencing shorter weeks are precisely those with high productivity:
- Luxembourg: US$ 137.6 per hour worked
- Ireland: US$ 120.5 per hour worked
- Norway: US$ 111.2 per hour worked
- United States: US$ 77.1 per hour worked
- Germany: US$ 72.7 per hour worked
And Brazil? According to a FGV, the productivity of the Brazilian worker stood at only US$ 16.8 per hour in 2023 — nearly eight times lower than Luxembourg’s and less than a quarter of American productivity.
These numbers help explain why these countries can reduce working hours without economic loss — and why in Brazil the transition would be much more delicate.
The Weight of Inflation, Taxes, and Tax Complexity
In addition to low productivity, Brazil still faces other hurdles. The country struggles with an inflation rate of around 4.5% per year (IBGE, 2024), a tax burden of 33% of GDP (Federal Revenue), and a tax system so complex that, according to the World Bank, forces companies to spend 1,501 hours per year just to comply with tax obligations — compared to 140 hours on average in the OECD.
In other words, reducing the workweek to 4×3, without a broad tax and administrative reform, could raise operational costs, increase the final price to consumers, and further pressure the already ailing labor market.
International Experience and Brazilian Limits
Experiments such as those in the United Kingdom in 2022-2023, conducted by the Autonomy Institute, showed that a four-day workweek increased worker satisfaction by 35% and reduced medical absences. However, it is worth noting: the United Kingdom has a productivity rate of US$ 62.1 per hour, nearly four times that of Brazil.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, productivity is advancing slowly, with an average growth of only 1% per year over the past decade, according to FGV. Therefore, importing models without considering the local context may lead to more problems than solutions.
The Role of Collective Bargaining in Brazil
Despite the national debate, it is important to highlight that collective negotiations already allow adjustments in Brazil. According to the Ministry of Labor, more than 12,000 collective agreements were registered in 2023, addressing issues such as schedules, holiday compensation, and hours bank. Thus, before broad legislative changes, the path of sector negotiations may be the most realistic.
Final Reflection: Dream or Risk?
The proposal to reduce the work schedule to 4×3 touches on sensitive themes. In a Brazil marked by low productivity, high informality (about 39% of the workforce, according to the IBGE), resistant inflation, and a chaotic tax system, this transition might not only be premature — but even dangerous.
The future of work in Brazil needs to be discussed courageously. However, it must be guided by data, realistic international comparisons, and, above all, responsibility towards the economy and jobs.
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