One of the pleasant aspects of my new life in Beijing has been rediscovering what it's like to have a lunch break. A whole hour and a half in the middle of a work day to do with whatever I want. That's enough time to meet friends and have an actual sit down lunch. At my old job in Australia, the most common sit down lunches I had were at my desk. Here, you can go for a walk or the gym (depending on pollution), or be productive and get some chores done. Some of my colleagues even take a nap.
I've never had such a good work life balance so it came as a shock to read that this is not the case for many people in China. Young people especially are literally working themselves into an early grave. CCTV reported a recent case of a 24-year-old engineer believed to have died from overwork. While the overtime problem was news to me, it didn't take much digging to see pressure on workers to remain at their desks way past their 8 hours is up has been building for some time. Even those that clock off on time are only a phone call or email away thanks to the internet and mobile phones.
In 2014, it was estimated that 600,000 Chinese die from working too hard each year. Although it's hard to pin down exactly what fatal conditions count towards that, it's an alarming figure. The response to some extreme cases of overtime on social media suggests many stressed out, tired workers don't find it too hard to believe.
Overtime in short bursts is not a bad thing. It gives companies the flexibility to cope with particularly busy times or short term issues. The problem is when the increased workload becomes the norm.
So what can be done about it? One story about this issue, referred to advice on sina.com.cn suggesting people manage fatigue by eating more fruit and vegetables, avoiding coffee, exercising and taking a shower. While those tips are fine for leading a generally healthier and hygienic lifestyle, less caffeine and snacks is not going to be much help to people chained to their desk.
There's really only one solution. Less hours. We can convince someone to go home when they are desperate to impress their superiors, or fear being labeled a slacker if they don't work round the clock, depends more on their colleagues than the boss. No one wants to be the first out the door, but if everyone in a division or team jointly decides not to stay back all hours, no one can be singled out.
That is, of course, easier said than done. Excessive overtime is broader than just a workplace culture. Several academics have pointed to a Chinese belief in total dedication, combined with pressure to contribute to the nation's ever increasing global business might. Adjusting that mindset to allow for a better work life balance will be much harder than changing workers' diets.
Broadcaster
Rose Bolger joined China Daily at the start of November 2016 as a copy editor at the website. Having left her home in the small Australian city, Hobart, to move to one of the biggest cities in the world, she's looking forward to exploring Beijing. During her 10-year career as a journalist she has worked for newspapers, radio and television networks.
这些面经你别信:找工作的十大误区(双语)
人与同行的狮子
盘点2011-《时代》年度十大最糟流行瞬间
Thumbelina 拇指姑娘
盘点2011年国内外焦点事件(中)(中英文)
精选英语美文阅读:地狱和天堂
中美WTO就电影问题达成协议 更多美片即将来袭(双语)
A Handful of Clay 一撮黏土
Facebook欲涉足招聘行业:社交巨头IPO后新动作(双语)
伊索寓言——一捆木柴
双语阅读:不当办公室里的“困兽”
科技资讯阅读:iPad3和iPhone5将面世(中英对照)
嫉妒中国熊猫受宠 企鹅向游客投掷粪便抗议(图)
为时尚 为环保:请你穿上秋裤(双语)
所罗门 Solomon
精选英语散文欣赏:差距
2011年中国食品安全事故盘点(双语)
英语故事:瞎子点灯
双语:坏习惯快走开 8条建议让你告别自己的陋习
元旦袭来:去夜店还是去血拼
你染上春节“节日病”了吗?
哈利波特一《哈利波特与魔法石》
肯德基声明:没有“帅哥送餐”业务(双语)
双语阅读:法厄同
双语阅读:为时尚 为环保:请你穿上秋裤(双语)
兔子和狐狸
狼与鹤
美国多数老人不愿与成年子女同住 享受自由生活(双语)
情人节怎么过?用最少的钱得最多的浪漫(双语)
七只乌鸦
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |