Mexican businessman and billionaire Carlos Slim proposed a three-day workweek, suggesting a 36-hour schedule and retirement at 75. He argues this shift could expand job opportunities by matching a growing productive economy in Mexico.
As the new civilization advances and productivity climbs to high levels, Slim notes that many people, especially young adults, struggle to find good employment. He envisions a model where work is condensed into three days with 11 or 12 hours per day, totaling 36 hours weekly, while allowing a retirement at 75 years of age.
Speaking at a Telmex-Telcel Foundation scholars’ event focused on Mexico Siglo XXI, Slim reiterated that retiring at 60 or 65 is not practical. Extending the age requirement to access retirement benefits could help stabilize public finances and preserve pension funds for future generations.
He emphasized that without extending retirement ages, social security systems risk instability as the population ages and demands on funds intensify. The argument centers on ensuring that pension schemes remain solvent while providing a dignified retirement path for workers.
Slim also spoke about the current trajectory of society, noting improvements in education and health, and highlighting a transition toward a service-oriented economy where physical labor is diminished. He described a future where well-paid positions emerge in sectors such as education, culture, entertainment, and tourism, supported by a workforce prepared to adapt.
At 82 years old, Slim pointed to existing four-day workweek pilots around the world but warned that this alone may not generate new opportunities. He argued that a three-day work model could more effectively boost employment when implemented thoughtfully and in the right contexts.
As the head of Grupo Carso, Slim underscored that poverty reduction and literacy are not just moral concerns but economic necessities of a developing civilization. He framed these issues as components of a broader economic strategy rather than purely social justice causes.
He concluded by stressing that the next wave of job creation should target growth areas such as education, culture, entertainment, and tourism, along with other industries that align with a modern, service-centered economy.