The public debate in Brazil regarding the potential reduction of the workweek is currently situated between the legitimate desire for improved quality of life and family time, and alarmist predictions about the negative impacts on the Brazilian economy. A careful examination of actual labor market data shows that 77% of work relationships exceed 40 hours per week, indicating a widespread issue of extended working hours.

The data from the Ministry of Labor and Employment for 2023 reveals that those affected by extended hours not only work longer but also suffer significant disadvantages—earning an average wage that is 42% lower than their peers who work 40-hour weeks, and having employment duration that is, on average, 60% shorter. This suggests that there is a systemic issue in the labor market that could be addressed by policies aimed at reducing work hours.

The workers who stand to benefit the most from a shortened workweek are predominantly Black or mixed-race individuals with lower educational attainment, indicating that any reforms in work hours could have a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups. The implications of such a change could reach beyond individual workers, potentially reshaping societal structures by promoting better work-life balance and reducing inequality in the workforce.