2026 will bring changes to the working day, which is why an expert explained on RCN Radio what companies and workers should expect. We tell you!
Colombia is preparing for one of the most important job changes in recent decades. From July 15, 2026all companies must comply with a new limit: 42 hours of work per week.
This measure will impact shifts, costs, overtime calculation and internal regulations. To find out how it will affect workers and companies, RCN Radio spoke with Alberto Jaramillo Polo, legal director of the International Legal Center, who explained the implications, benefits and consequences of the norm.
What will the working day look like in 2026?
Polo, remember that the country is already in full transition towards a shorter day. It all started with the Law 2101 of 2021which ordered a gradual reduction in working time, and was ratified with the Labor Reform (Law 2466 of 2025). Both standards establish the definitive route: “On July 15, 2026, the maximum working day in Colombia will be 42 hours per week, without salary reduction”.
Currently the day is in 44 hoursbut the goal is fixed and will not have extensions. Companies will retain the freedom to organize these hours into different shifts or days of the week, as long as they respect breaks and do not exceed the legal maximum.
For the expert, this change forces companies to review their operating models: from rotating shifts until hybrid schemes either intensive processes that depend on long hours. The challenge will be to maintain the productivity without breaking the law.
Does the reduction affect salaries, overtime or surcharges?
Many companies fear that the reduction will affect their costs and many workers wonder if they could receive less money. The specialist’s response is clear:
“The reduction in working hours cannot affect workers’ salaries. They must maintain the salary earned”, he noted.
That is, no one can earn less by working fewer hours. But in addition, the reform brings an additional element that will directly impact payrolls:
- Overtime will be paid from hour 43.
- The night surcharge will continue to be settled from 7:00 p.m.
For Alberto Jaramillo, this means that workers could see increases in your income whether they must carry out additional work, while companies must evaluate whether it is convenient for them to pay these surcharges or restructure your internal operations to avoid cost overruns.
What happens if companies do not comply?
He Ministry of Labor has increased the level of inspection and surveillanceand according to the lawyer, this is no coincidence. The goal is to ensure that the transition is strictly enforced.
“Companies that do not apply the reduction in working hours may face fines and sanctions from the Ministry of Labor”, he emphasized.
Among the consequences are:
- Financial fines that vary according to size and recidivism.
- Administrative orders immediate compliance.
- Sanctioning processes in case of resistance or non-compliance.
- Constant visits from labor inspectors.
Polo, warns that inspectors are already verifying compliance with the 44 hours currentso companies must anticipate the final reduction of 2026.
Although some sectors consider that the reduction could generate additional costsexperts agree that the measure will also open the door to improving the quality of lifepromote the rest and increase the work efficiency.
