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Nearly 10% of Chinese companies have adopted forced clock-out policies in an effort to combat the intense workplace competition, often termed the “rat race,” according to a recent survey by an online recruitment platform. The survey, published on December 20, revealed that 8.4% of companies in China have implemented mandatory clock-out procedures. Additionally, nearly 80% of employees reported they would consider quitting if subjected to prolonged periods of excessive competition, with about 32% expressing a stronger preference for healthier work environments.
An increasing number of Chinese workers are reevaluating whether their jobs are truly worth the stress and sacrifice, especially as workplace rivalries begin to hinder personal growth, diminish quality of life, and cause burnout. Major manufacturing companies such as DJI Technology, Haier Group, and Midea Group have introduced measures aimed at reducing the competitive pressures, including enforced clock-out times, efforts to resist unnecessary overtime, and strict bans on non-essential meetings. Some firms in Zhejiang province have even voluntarily adopted a four-and-a-half-day workweek.
The survey indicates that slightly over half of the surveyed organizations maintain a neutral stance regarding overtime, neither forcing nor encouraging it. Meanwhile, 41% of companies still promote a culture that endorses overtime work. The report suggests that the corporate landscape has yet to reach a consensus on optimizing work environments, with management philosophies still evolving.
The employment relations survey for 2025 was conducted over the past year, though specific data regarding the number of companies and employees involved was not disclosed.
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