4-Day Workweek: Is it possible for employees in India to get three days off a week? As you know, new labor codes have recently been implemented. So, are there any updates regarding the three-day leave requirement in the new labor codes? Let’s find out.
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4-Day Workweek: In most government and corporate offices in India, employees follow a 5-day workweek, meaning they work five days a week and get two days off. However, in some other countries, such as Japan, Spain, and Germany, employees follow a 4-day workweek, meaning they get three days off. This raises the question of whether it’s possible for employees in India to get three days off a week. As you know, new labor codes have recently been implemented. So, have there been any updates regarding the three-day leave in the new labor codes? Let’s find out.
3 Days Off a Week for Employees in India
Recently, the Ministry of Labor and Employment posted on its Instagram page that the new labor codes could make flexible work schedules possible, allowing an employee to work only four days a week and three days off, but for this, the employee would have to work 12 hours on each of the four days. This would translate into a total of 48 hours per week.
The Labour Codes allow flexibility of 12 hours for 4 workdays only, with the remaining 3 days as paid holidays.
Weekly work hours remain fixed at 48 hours and overtime beyond daily hours must be paid at double the wage rate.#ShramevJayate pic.twitter.com/5udPMqRXbg— Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) December 12, 2025
The Ministry of Labor and Employment stated that the new labor codes allow for four-day work, but this requires 12 hours of work per day, meaning 48 hours per week. According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, this 12-hour work per day includes breaks and other work, meaning these 12 hours cover the entire schedule.
Higher Salary for Working More Than 12 Hours
If a company makes its employees work more than 12 hours, or overtime, they will receive additional pay. According to the Ministry of Labor, overtime work beyond 12 hours should be paid at double the rate of pay.
It should be noted that on November 21, 2025, the government implemented four new labor codes, repealing 29 old labor codes. The new labor codes aim to simplify regulations, strengthen protections, and modernize employee rights. With the introduction of new labour codes, employees will get timely salary and gratuity, working hours will be fixed, higher wages will be given for overtime and safety rules and health services will be improved.
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