In 2025, Spain is undergoing a significant transformation in its labour landscape with the proposal to reduce the maximum working week from 40 to 37.5 hours without any reduction in salary. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, aims to improve work-life balance, boost productivity, and enhance employee well-being.
Current Status and Implementation Timeline
The Council of Ministers has approved the draft bill to reduce the working week to 37.5 hours. However, for the measure to take effect, it must still be passed by the Spanish Parliament and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). If the legislative process proceeds as scheduled, the new working hours are expected to come into force by December 31, 2025.
Diverging Views: Trade Unions vs. Employers
Trade unions strongly support the measure, viewing it as a step toward social justice and improved quality of life for workers. Some are even advocating for a further reduction to a 35 hour workweek.
On the other hand, business organisations have expressed concern about the potential economic impact. They argue that the reduction could entail significant additional costs for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and warn of potential negative effects on productivity and employment.
Economic Impact and Affected Sectors
According to the Ministry of Labour, the proposed reduction to 37.5 hours per week is economically viable, especially in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and retail. These sectors have seen substantial increases in profit margins and earnings since 2009, providing them with the capacity to absorb the additional labour costs.
However, experts and regional governments highlight the need to revise employment contracts, work schedules, and collective agreements, tasks that may place an administrative burden on companies.
Additionally, the anticipated increase in workers’ free time is expected to drive higher consumer spending, particularly benefiting the hospitality and retail sectors.
International Comparison: How Does Spain’s Working Week Align with Other European Countries?
Spain’s proposal to reduce the standard working week to 37.5 hours with no reduction in salary places the country in line with several major European economies that have already adopted shorter working hours.
The following table provides a comparative overview of the standard weekly working hours in 2025 for the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy. This helps to contextualize the Spanish reform within the broader European labour market:
| Country | Standard Weekly Working Hours (2025) | Remarks |
| United Kingdom | 37.5 to 40 hours | No strict legal cap; legal maximum is 48 hours, but the average is 37.5–40 h. |
| France | 35 hours | Legally established since 2000; overtime allowed under specific conditions. |
| Germany | 35 to 40 hours | Varies by industry and collective agreements; 35 h common in manufacturing. |
| Italy | 40 hours (legal), often 36–38 h | Legal maximum is 40 h, though many collective agreements stipulate fewer. |
This comparative analysis shows that the move to a 37.5 hour workweek is not an outlier, but rather part of a broader European trend toward more balanced working models that aim to enhance both business productivity and employee well-being.
Future Outlook
The reduction of working hours in Spain marks a significant shift in the organisation of labour, with the potential to enhance workers’ quality of life and support a more sustainable economy. Nevertheless, successful implementation will require a careful balance between employee interests and business capabilities, along with appropriate adjustments to legal and organisational frameworks.
As the legislative process advances, ongoing dialogue among the government, trade unions, and business organisations will be essential to ensure a smooth and equitable transition to the new working time framework.
