The reduction of the working day in Colombia eliminates Family Day and creates new benefits.
The progressive reduction of the working day in Colombia begins to generate adjustments in the traditional benefits of workers. With the entry into force of Law 2101 of 2021, which reduces the number of weekly hours without affecting salary or benefits, the well-known Family Day will no longer be mandatory and will be replaced by new modalities of rest and work flexibility.
Does Family Day end with the reduction of working hours?
The Colombian labor landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. The regulations establish that the maximum legal working day will be gradually reduced until it reaches 42 hours per week, a process that began in 2023. As of July 15, 2025, the limit was set at 44 hours, which implies direct changes in the organization of working time.
According to Javier Almanza, director of the Labor area of the Legal Office of the Universidad del Rosario, the disappearance of Family Day is derived precisely from this reduction in hours. However, he clarified that employers and workers can voluntarily agree to maintain this benefit, as long as there is consensus between the parties.
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The new incentive for sustainable mobility
As an alternative to the benefits associated with the old 48-hour work week, the reform contemplates a new paid day off focused on sustainable mobility. This incentive is aimed at private sector workers who use bicycles as a regular means of transportation to their workplace.
To access this benefit, several requirements must be met:
- Present a certification that certifies frequent use of the bicycle.
- Make a formal written request to the employer.
- The rest period corresponds to one paid day off for every six months worked.
- The company defines the date of the break according to its operational needs.
- The agreement must be formalized in writing between both parties.
What about night and holiday surcharges?
The transition towards the 42-hour day also introduces changes in the distribution of working time. The law allows companies to organize successive shifts 24 hours a day without generating night, Sunday or holiday surcharges, as long as the worker does not exceed six hours a day or 36 hours a week.
Likewise, the possibility of agreeing on flexible working hours of between four and nine hours a day is enabled, distributed over a maximum of six days a week, always guaranteeing a mandatory day of rest.
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Exceptions and protection for special populations
The regulations maintain special provisions for certain sectors and groups. The Government retains the power to order additional reductions in dangerous or unhealthy jobs, and strict limits are established for teenagers with legal authorization to work, whose hours vary according to age.
Altogether, this new scheme seeks to balance business productivity with the quality of life of workers, while promoting healthy habits and care for the environment through incentives for non-motorized transportation.
