The work schedule is a topic that gained significant attention last year, being one of the most discussed subjects. She determines the schedules, days, and shifts that the employee must follow throughout the week, based on the company's needs and legal conditions. In 2024, one of the most searched topics on Google, according to the platform's survey, was "What is 6×1 schedule?".
This type of shift is characterized by six consecutive workdays followed by a day off. The working hours must respect the limit of 44 hours per week and 8 hours per day. The model is quite common in sectors such as telemarketing, where legislation requires employees not to exceed 6 hours of work per day.
The 6×1 schedule originated in the 1940s. Last year, a Proposed Amendment to the Constitution suggested ending the schedule. The initial text proposes a limit of 36 hours of work per week, explains Eduardo Calixto, a lawyer specializing in labor law. He emphasizes that flexibility in work schedules is something that varies according to the needs of each company.
Although companies have the freedom to set their schedules, they must follow the rules of the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and the collective agreements established by the unions. In the case of the 6×1 shift, the employer is required to ensure that the employee has at least one Sunday off every seven days worked, respecting the right to weekly rest.
Another common work schedule model in Brazil is the 5×2, where the worker has two consecutive days off during the week. In this modality, the work schedule is usually 8 hours a day, from Monday to Friday, with weekends off, which is considered ideal for many areas that do not require continuous operation.
According to Calixto, “The 6×1 scale needs to be negotiated based on the needs of both the employer and the employee, ensuring compliance with labor rights and avoiding overload for employees.”
The choice of the ideal scale for each company involves a series of factors, from current legislation to specific working conditions. In addition to the 6×1, models like the 12×36 are also common and have been adapted to CLT standards, provided that the right to adequate rest and hour compensation are respected.