End of the 6×1 scale may change retail in 2026 and expert points out five actions not to lose sales

A survey by the Locomotive/QuestionPro Institute revealed that 57% of Brazilians are in favor of the end of the 6×1 scale, while a survey by Nexus Pesquisa presented 65% as supporters of the reduction of the working day. The agenda advanced in the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) of the Senate and now is being processed for analysis in the Plenary, with public hearings and proposals for law that can gradually abolish the 6×1 scale model, widely used in Brazilian retail Smart Consulting, specialized in strategy for consumer brands, noted this reality shock as an opportunity to adapt.“Heavy operations and low individual productivity no longer work in the current” scenario, he explains Eduardo Schuler, CEO of the company.

A study by the Federation of Industries of Minas Gerais (FIEMG) suggests that the extinction of the 6×1 scale could reduce up to 16% of GDP, reinforcing the need to rethink internal processes and invest in technology. For retail and consumer companies, changes in scale directly affect store availability, service and conversion, making the theme essential for operations, HR and growth strategies. Given this scenario, the specialist presents five practical measures to maintain sales and productivity:

1. Optimize schedules and shifts based on real data 

Analyzing customer flow, hourly conversion and average ticket allows us to create smarter scales, avoiding idle hours and directing employees to where they generate more impact. “When we understand peak times, we can reduce costs without harming service and increase individual productivity”, he highlights Schuler.

2. Support sellers with technology and artificial intelligence

AI systems offer automatic product suggestions, detailed customer history, and cross-sell and upsell triggers, allowing each salesperson to generate more results.“A tech-backed salesperson can deliver twice as much performance without increasing team”.

3. Transform digital sales into competitive advantage 

Capturing leads, understanding purchase intentions and preparing personalized service before the physical visit increases conversion and reduces dependence on face-to-face effort.“Investing in digital is not luxury, it is a condition for retail to survive the end of 6×1”, reinforces the expert.

4. Redesign internal processes and automate repetitive tasks 

Automating inventory, reporting and records frees up staff for activities that directly impact revenue, making operation more agile and efficient.“By eliminating worthless tasks, we get staff to focus on what actually generates PROFIT”, says CEO Smart Consulting.

5. Manage performance and non-presence 

Evaluating indicators such as customer flow, conversion per shift and return per hour allows you to remunerate teams for results and allocate employees strategically.“Changing the focus from hours worked to performance turns operational efficiency into a competitive advantage”, he explains.

As discussions progress in the Senate, retailers that anticipate the transition and embrace operational intelligence and technology will be ahead in the market. Schuler note: “The end of the 6×1 scale does not represent the end of retail, but the end of inefficient retail.