Reduction of Working Hours and Mental Health in Mexico

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The difference in the working day between Mexico and Germany is 779 hours per year. While Germans work an estimated 1,349 hours annually, Mexicans work 2,128 hours in the same period. Currently, a bill aims to reduce the workweek in Mexico from 48 to 40 hours and provide two days of rest for every five days worked. This measure is stated to be for the benefit of workers. However, there is a lack of detailed analysis on its effect on the mental well-being of the population through evidence-backed social policies and interventions. Despite being a topic of interest to all workers, academic information and analysis on the subject are scarce. Therefore, this paper analyzes some key elements to better understand this proposal and outlines some approaches that the academic and research community should engage in to contribute to the discussion.

Adriana Lorena Fierros Lara, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México

Full Professor in the Department of Economic and Administrative Sciences, University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Lawyer from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, and PhD in Administrative Sciences from the University of the Valley of Atemajac, Mexico.

     

María Nancy Esmeralda Arredondo Mata, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México

Full Professor in the Department of Arts and Humanities and at the Institute for Research in Eating Behavior and Nutrition, University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Psychologist from the Juárez University of the State of Durango, and Master’s and PhD in Behavioral Science from the University of Guadalajara.

     

Ana Elizabeth Flores Lara, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México

Adjunct Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, University Center of the Valles, University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Lawyer and Master of Law from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico.

     

Alma Gabriela Martínez Moreno, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México

Full Professor in the Department of Arts and Humanities and at the Institute for Research in Eating Behavior and Nutrition, University Center of the South, University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Psychologist from the Juárez University of the State of Durango, and Master’s and PhD in Behavioral Science from the University of Guadalajara.

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