WORK HOURS FLEXIBILITY: An Analysis of the Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract

The flexibilization of working hours in Brazil, intensified by the 2017 Labor Reform, is a relevant issue in labor law. Before the reform, the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) imposed strict rules on working hours, guaranteeing rights such as overtime pay and rest breaks, but these regulations were criticized for limiting business competitiveness. The reform brought greater autonomy in negotiations between employers and workers, aiming to modernize labor practices. This study analyzes the legal and social implications of this flexibilization, investigating its effects on workers' rights, business efficiency, and the adequacy of legislation to meet current demands. Using a bibliographical and narrative methodology, the research reveals that flexibilization offers both advantages and challenges. While it promotes greater economic and social dynamism for companies, it also raises concerns about the preservation of labor rights and workers' health. It concludes that adapting the legislation is essential to balance productive needs and worker well-being, ensuring fair and sustainable labor relations.