India’s New Labor Codes Could Allow a 4-Day Work Week

India’s traditional five-day work schedule may no longer be the only option on the table, according to Times Now. With new labor laws now in effect, a four-day work week has become a legal possibility for some employees—though it comes with important conditions.

What the Labor Ministry Has Clarified

The Ministry of Labor and Employment recently confirmed that the new Labor Codes allow employees to work four days a week, as long as total weekly hours do not exceed 48.

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Under this structure:

• Employees may work up to 12 hours a day for four days
  
• The remaining three days would count as paid time off
  
• Any work beyond 12 hours in a single day must be paid at double the regular wage
  

The ministry also clarified that the 12-hour workday includes breaks and spread-out working hours, meaning employees would not be working continuously for the entire period.

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Weekly Hour Limits Still Apply

While the idea of a four-day work week sounds appealing, the rules are strict about total time worked. Weekly hours remain capped at 48, ensuring that the shorter week does not translate into longer, uncompensated labor.

In short, the model offers flexibility, but not a reduction in total working hours.

What Changed Under the New Labour Codes

In November 2025, the government consolidated 29 existing labor laws into four comprehensive Labor Codes covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and workplace safety.

These reforms aim to simplify compliance, ensure timely wages, and standardize working conditions across industries.

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Key updates include:

• Equal benefits for fixed-term and permanent employees
  
• Gratuity eligibility after one year of continuous service
  
• Mandatory wage parity for fixed-term workers
  
• Clearer rules around working hours and overtime
  

Gig and Platform Workers Gain Recognition

For the first time, gig and platform workers are formally recognized under Indian labor law. Welfare benefits for these workers are now linked through Aadhaar-based Universal Account Numbers, making contributions portable across employers and platforms.

This change marks a major shift toward inclusivity in India’s workforce, bringing millions of non-traditional workers into the formal system.

Is a 4-Day Work Week Coming Soon?

The Labor Codes do not mandate a four-day work week—but they make it legally possible. Whether companies adopt it will depend on industry needs, operational feasibility, and employee demand.

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