Many workers in China, like Hao Zeyu, are experiencing frustration with the adjusted rest policy that requires them to work extra days on weekends in order to take extended vacations during major holidays. This policy, known as “tiaoxiu,” was introduced in 1999 to stimulate consumer spending but has since become a point of contention among workers who feel overworked and are afraid to ask for additional leave. The post-Covid slump in the economy has only exacerbated these concerns, as companies are trying to do more with fewer resources and workers are fearing job loss if they take extra leave.
Complaints about this year’s Labor Day leave arrangements have flooded Chinese social media, with many criticizing the government for prioritizing business over the need for actual rest. Workers are expressing their exhaustion from crazy overtime work and are calling for more genuine holidays instead of shifting workdays to create longer breaks. The scramble for train tickets, inflated hotel prices, and chaos at tourist spots are further exacerbating the negative effects of the adjusted rest policy.
China’s economy is undergoing a transformation from a manufacturing powerhouse to a knowledge-based economy, which has put pressure on companies to improve productivity while cutting costs. Workers are feeling the impact of this economic shift, with the 996 work culture becoming prevalent in many tech companies and startups. Despite the adjusted rest policy allowing for more official holidays, Chinese workers only have five days of statutory paid time off per year, which is significantly less than in many other countries.
Some companies, like Kentucky Fried Chicken in China, are taking a different approach by not requiring workers to come in on designated working days during extended holidays. A movement among independent businesses is pushing back against excessively long work hours, with some companies offering special leave for employees feeling down or unwell. This shift towards a better work-life balance is slowly gaining traction in a culture that traditionally values enduring hardship to succeed.
Despite the efforts of some companies to offer more flexibility and time off, many workers like Max Teng still find themselves in situations where taking leave might lead to negative feedback. The ongoing debate around the adjusted rest policy and the overall work culture in China reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards work-life balance and employee well-being. As the country continues to navigate economic challenges and social changes, the issue of labor rights and worker protections will remain a key focus for both government policies and corporate practices.
