In major Indian cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, most offices follow a 5-day workweek. However, due to heavy work pressure or stress, many employees wish to work only 4 days a week and have 3 days off. Some countries, including Japan, Spain, and Germany, are experimenting with a 4-day workweek. But is it really possible in India? Recent changes in labor laws last month could allow it, but the real question is, will your company agree to it?
Labour ministry sets 48-hour work limit
The Ministry of Labour and Employment shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) hinting at the possibility of a 4-day workweek on December 12. The post explained that under the new labour laws, the maximum working hours in a week are capped at 48. The ministry’s “mythbuster” post outlined the conditions that could make a 4-day workweek possible. According to the ministry, the revised labour code allows a flexible schedule of 12 hours per day, meaning employees can work just 4 days a week, while the remaining 3 days would be paid holidays, if the company agrees to 12-hour shifts.
Breaks Included in 12-Hour Shifts
The ministry clarified that 12-hour shifts include mandatory breaks and spread-over time. If a company asks employees to work more than 12 hours a day under the 4-day system, the ministry stated that overtime rules apply. The weekly 48-hour cap remains, and companies must pay double for any overtime beyond daily working hours.
What Are the New Labour Codes?
The Indian government repealed 29 old labour laws and implemented four new labour codes on November 21, 2025. These codes aim to regulate the working conditions and rights of different types of employees. The new codes include:
- Wages Code 2019
- Industrial Relations Code 2020
- Social Security Code 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code 2020
