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.
5种怪诞逻辑误区:你一定也中过枪
国际英语资讯:White House announces Trumps new pick for FEMA administrator
希拉里:若当选内阁将有一半是女性
娱乐算命:手腕纹路透露的秘密
国内英语资讯:5G base stations in Shenzhen reach 10,000
体坛英语资讯:Zhang Weili becomes Chinas UFC World Champion after a stunning knockout
整天坐办公室?7大妙计让白骨精们远离肥胖
国内英语资讯:Xi Focus: Xi calls on all ethnic groups to jointly create bright future
图里有11个小细节 对宝宝来说很危险!
迪拜乞丐富得流油 月入47万元人民币!
阿里巴巴旗下蚂蚁金服融资45亿美元
体坛英语资讯:Serbias head coach: Good start but a long way ahead
深挖名字背后的意义:姓名告诉你家族历史
北京救护车变身出租车打表收费
美国VR校车 带孩子们体验火星之旅
国内英语资讯:Chinese FM offers insight into major global issues in UN speech
教你6招 彻底告别拖沓症
30个迹象表明你衣服太多了
一个人过生日是什么感觉
网络窃贼盯上SWIFT全球支付网络
Facebook疯传 戳中中国家庭痛点的漫画
国际英语资讯:63 Palestinians injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers in eastern Gaza
“公鸭嗓”成英国年轻女性新风尚
“外貌协会”交友网站被黑 百万用户资料泄密
就他能穿睡衣会见奥巴马 总统还被萌一脸血
研究:年过40的人最好每周只工作三天
都错了?做仰卧起坐可能会对身体产生伤害
帮你人气倍增的沟通技巧
让你的自信心迅速增加的大招
14对儿最佳星座情侣,有你们吗?
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |