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The idea of four days work a week and three days off is now being discussed in India also. After the recent statement of the Labor Ministry regarding the new labor codes, there is hope among the employees. But the question is whether this system will be applicable for everyone or is it just an option.
New Delhi. In India, most of the government and private offices have a 5-day work week system, but now employees have started expecting a 4-day work week. Experiments on this model have been done in countries like Japan, Spain and Germany, due to which the question is being raised in India too whether it is possible to work only four days a week here too. This discussion has intensified after the recent statement of the Labor Ministry regarding the new labor codes.
Is a 4-day work week allowed in India?
According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the possibility of a 4-day work week has not been completely ruled out in the new labor codes. The Ministry has made it clear that if the employees wish, they can work 4 days a week, 12 hours a day and can take paid leave for the remaining 3 days. However, this will completely depend on the mutual consent between the employer and the employee. That means no company is obliged to implement it compulsorily.
Total working hours per week will remain the same
The government has also clarified that no change has been made in the weekly working timings. Under the new rules, there is a maximum limit of working 48 hours a week. If an employee chooses a 4-day work week, he will have to work 12 hours a day. This will also include break time and spread of work. If the company makes the employee work more than the prescribed limit, then he will have to pay overtime.
Rule of double wages for overtime
According to the new labor codes, if an employee is made to work more than 12 hours daily or 48 hours weekly, he will have to be paid overtime at double the rate. Its objective is to prevent exploitation of employees and improve work-life balance. This will give confidence to the employees that they will definitely get appropriate compensation for their extra hard work.
What else changed in the new labor codes?
On November 21, 2025, the government abolished 29 old labor laws and implemented four new labor codes. These include rules related to wages, industrial relations, social security and workplace safety. Under the new codes, fixed-term employees will get equal facilities as permanent employees and will be entitled to gratuity only after one year of service. For the first time, gig and platform workers have also been given legal recognition. Companies will have to contribute to their welfare fund, so that employees in the unorganized sector can also get the benefit of social security.
