Chile’s 40-Hour Workweek: A Transformative Step for Labor Policy

A historic shift in Chile’s labor landscape is unfolding as the government moves toward a 40-hour workweek. After a lengthy legislative process, a law reducing the official workweek from 45 hours to 40 is advancing, signaling Chile’s intention to align with broader regional trends while carving out its own path. The reform is intended to be phased in over five years, giving businesses time to adjust and workers a meaningful improvement in daily life. This step places Chile among several OECD economies that have embraced shorter workweeks as part of a broader effort to boost productivity, well-being, and work-life balance for millions of employees. The official push behind the measure has framed it as a long overdue move toward a fairer and fuller life for workers, highlighting the anticipated benefits for households and communities across the country.