China's companies are reducing toxic workplace cultures

Chinese companies are beginning to change their workplace culture as officials speak out against excessive competition and long working hours. Recent efforts aim to address the "996 work system," which pushes employees to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. Some firms are now enforcing measures to encourage staff to leave work on time. DJI, a drone manufacturer, has introduced a rule requiring workers to finish by 9 p.m. This change has sparked discussions online. Many employees welcome it, noting that ending work on time allows them to enjoy better personal lives. A worker shared that leaving the office at 9 p.m. means they no longer have to worry about catching a late train home. Other companies are also adopting similar policies. Miniso, a popular retailer, announced in February that meetings should last no longer than 30 minutes, and unnecessary overtime is being discouraged. Midea Group has set a 6:20 p.m. clock-off time for its employees and banned after-hours meetings. Chinese officials are expressing concerns about the negative impact of working long hours. The government has acknowledged the issue of "neijuan-style competition" and plans to take steps to address it. This shift in focus has raised hope for a healthier work environment. Experts believe these changes are a positive start but emphasize that real progress will require ongoing commitment from company leaders. It’s crucial for management to model a balanced work-life approach to create a supportive atmosphere. If leaders expect employees to work overtime, changes in workplace culture may not take hold. Overall, there is cautious optimism that as companies prioritize employee well-being, the overworked culture in China may finally begin to improve. However, achieving lasting change will depend on consistent efforts from both management and employees.