Chinese Work Culture: The Most Industrious Worker In The World?

Welcome to china! Everybody knows that Chinese people are the most hardworking in the world. Not even the workers of America, Japan, and other countries can work as hard as the Chinese. 

Mainly the skills and the workplace environment are related to achieving the desired goals. A healthy and positive working environment motivates the employees to work hard for the growth of the company.

According to a survey, Chinese labor overwork for their nation and don’t ask for vacations. With no exception, China is experiencing a boom in the economy, and the Chinese don’t shirk with their work; instead, they embrace it and get success.  

According to a survey, the employees in china work 12-13 hours every day and never ask to get paid for overtime. They never strive or work to protect their rights. 

Note: according to the ILO’s global advocacy and Chinese labor law, China workers can work up to 40 hours every week.  

What is the Chinese work ethic? What does 996 Chinese work culture mean? Well, in this blog post, we will discuss the Chinese work culture and a lot more. So without any delay, let’s dive into the main discussion. 

What is the Chinese Work ethic?

 China is becoming the world’s economic power with an approximate growth rate of 10%. All the Asians are hardworking but Chinese work beyond any level. According to the principle of Confucian, the Chinese work ethic is based on respect for elders and flawless work. Confucius was a philosopher in china whose teachings have played an important role in shaping Chinese culture. Let us have a look at some of the Chinese work ethics.

1.    A culture of overwork

Companies often demand hard work and painstaking work from their employees. And without any doubt, Chinese workers leave no stone unturned in getting the best results. Chi ku (means eating bitterness) is the Confucian work ethic that allow the workers to persist in their hard times. Chi Ku is the most appreciated method to get a promotion and respect from the owners. The most common form of chi Ku is overtime. Many workers do overwork to increases their promotion opportunities. 

Variations on chi Ku 

• Sometimes it has been reported that due to industrious work, the employed commit suicide. For instance, many suicides by the Foxconn company workers pushed the company to impose the overtime limit. However, this decision affected the income of many workers who overwork.
• The increased work and social pressure also might contribute to devastating health. For example, many Chinese miners are caught to have fatal lung ailments due to hard work without any safety measures.
• How many times have you caught Chinese welders welding at the construction site without wearing masks and goggles’? Well, I bet it must be every time… 

2.    Importance of time 

Time is very important for the Chinese, and punctuality is considered a virtue. Chinese are never late; they try to accomplish all their task on time or often before time. Japanese are also very punctual, but rules concerning time lack in India. For Indians, It is common to reach the designated place 10 to 15 minutes late than the usual time. However, the mismanagement of time doesn’t occur in China. 

3.    Keep an eye on innovations.

The Chinese always focus on innovation. A recent survey revealed that they are eager to dominate mobile computing in the same manner as Americans ruled over the desktop. China is leading in developing a wide variety of mobile apps. They are also creating innovative products in comparison to the west. 

Moreover, women employees are also warmly welcomed in the tech industry to keep the work culture more healthy. 

4.    Work for the best results. 

There are several motivational proverbs say that the Chinese are a hardworking nation. They believe that their hard work will pay them off and lead them to a happy and prosperous life. Shìshàng wú nánshì is one of the sayings, which means that “nothing is impossible to a willing mind.” Chinese never compromise on their work – with sheer determination, they achieve the best results. This diligence is the reason why the Chinese own the top companies in the world. 

5.    Success isn’t left to chance.

A famous proverb says that hard work beats talent. And this is something that the Chinese believe so much. Since their beginning, they are fed that everything can be achieved with determination and hard work at a young age. This is the strong reason that today when global economics is shattering, china is the world’s economic superpower. Chinese didn’t make up their mark due to the technological advancements; hats off to their loyalty and diligence. 

6.    Work hard smartly

Every individual in china strives hard to achieve his/her goals. They never lose hope in the inconveniences and hardships. Just struggle to find their way out. Chinese come up with unique ways to get the results in a short time. 

7.    Aiming for perfection 

Well. Several western organizations preferably hire Asian employees. Have you ever wondered why? This is due to their commitment to their work. The Asian put their maximum efforts to reach their ultimate goals. Although the people of other countries work hard, the Chinese have no comparison. Such a goal-oriented nation keeps up their morale and works impatiently from their young age. A huge number of Chinese employees working all over the world are proof of their hardworking spirit. 

8.    Laziness is not acceptable. 

Another major attribute of the Chinese is that they are active. They have worked a lot to reach the place they are today. They are so hardworking that their owners reward them with bonuses for completing the task before the deadline. In short, they are so much willing to do work that they complete one project to get the new one.        

Typically the Chinese work culture describes that no matter if it’s a black cat or white cat, if it catches a rat, then no doubt it’s a good cat. So, no one cares about how much effort you put into a project or how much time it demands; what matters are the good results. 

What is 996 China’s work culture?

A recent survey suggests that Chinese work for greater than 46 hours every week. It is more than the work time of 11 hours in Australia, 10 hours in America, and 9 hours in the UK. The 996 china’s work culture claims that the major companies’ employees must work from 9 am to 9 pm for six days per week. However, the construction industry workers, repairs, and resident services can work from 49 to 51.4 hours. 

The reason forcing the 996 work culture in china is the expectations of the huge pay off which financially benefits both the employees and the founders. Sometimes, 996 is not practicable for the launch of a few startups. They need to work even harder to compete with the competitors and avail of the opportunities. It means all the organizations can’t impose the 996 work culture.  

Is there any chance that 996 work culture end in china? 

Well, not at all. The grueling work ethic of Chinese workers is responsible for the accelerated growth of technology in china. Jack ma, the founder of Alibaba, recently posted in favor of the famous 996 work culture. He went through the daily grind to ensure the success of his company. 

In China, employees willingly put extra unpaid hours for work and show their loyalty to the company. In return, big companies offer plenty of facilities to encourage their workers to stay committed for the long hours. 

The 996 work culture is restricted to the junior employees, but the managers and senior executives also follow this working rule. Very often, they work during their weekends and prove themselves. 

Overtime and china’s labor law

According to china’s labor law, the employed should not be demanded to work greater than 8 hours per day or 40 hours every week. The allowed overtime is not more than 36 hours per month. Despite this Chinese law, the proprietors of the leading companies like Tik Tok（抖音）app creator, the head of Huawei Telecom Company, and Pinduoduo（拼多多） have been ostracized by the workers due to the overtime work. 

However, the triumph of the technology sector in china depends upon continuous and untiring efforts. Why don’t these companies get punished? The legal workout and their contribution to the country’s economic growth played a significant role. 

Working Hours in China factories

The Chinese typically work five days a week with the weekend on Saturday and Sunday. They work from 8 am to 6 pm every day with a lunch break of 4 hours (from 12 pm to 4 pm). However, slight variations may occur in the area. 

In some Chinese companies, the working hours start from 9 am up to 6 pm with 1-hour siesta, and holidays on Saturday and Sunday.    

 Work culture in Chinese Companies?

The world culture is an essential aspect that contributes to the success and failure of the companies. Every country has its own work culture. 

The work culture means a unique set of values and rules of a company. It is supreme in any firm as the success, and the employee’s retention depends upon it. 

Why is the work culture significant in Chinese companies? 

It allows them to win over the talent of employees and keep them engaged. For many workers, getting the pay is not the ultimate desire, but they aim to do something different.

• It helps them retain employees and lets them stay happier. 
• A healthy work environment also contributes to better performance. 
• The companies devise the strategies and manage their positive work culture.   

 What is Chinese Business culture?

 The advancing globalization demands that more and more people must look upon to do business with Chinese people. The Chinese business culture is based on Confucianism. What is Confucianism? It means that the relationships are crucially dependent on loyalty, moderations, and respect—the Chinese both in privacy and business work to save other people’s values and dignity. 

Chinese always aim to win, not to fail, so they are against taking the risk. They are very keen on the decision making process. After several discussions and meetings, the relevant people make the decisions to solve the long term problems. Chinese coworkers do not appreciate plans and decisions. Instead, they believe that the hierarchy should be followed. 

Here are some of the rules or tips for the Chinese business culture

a.    Greeting or use of titles

In Chinese culture, smiling and nodding are the common greetings in any formal business meeting. The Chinese counterpart will offer you a lingering handshake. You must avoid the physical proximity and always look down on the partner. Whenever you want to address your business partner, use professional titles. 

b.    Exchanging business cards

Another key part of the Chinese business culture is the exchange of business cards. A business card extends the connection between the partners. Accept business cards with both hands, as it is the gesture of politeness. 

c.    Open the conversation with small talk.

Chinese people often break the ice and continue the small talks. You should start the conversations with questions such as how have you been? Have you taken the lunch etc. thus, don’t go into the details; try to be precise. 

d.    Dress code 

You should follow the formal dress code as it reflects your personality and contributes to success. Wear the best clothes from your wardrobe, simple and elegant. 

e.    Exchanging the gifts 

Another etiquette that contributes to the Chinese business culture is the gift policy. The exchanging of gifts signifies the start of the relationship. 

• Cheap and wrapped Gifts should be given. 
• Always refuse to accept the gift almost 2 to 3 times and never open it in front of the giver. 
• Receive the gifts with both hands.        

Why Chinese is the most industrious worker in the world?

China is making progress by a great leap for almost a decade, then what makes them the most industrious workers in the world? Well, there is a number of reasons that derives the Chinese from being strenuous workers. A better lifestyle, high pays, workplace culture, and financial stability are a few factors. 

You might be wondering that the quality of life has much improved and stabilized in China. The live concerts, art scenes, stunning nightlife are the common sources of amusements in the metropolitan sites. Then why don’t the Chinese just sit back and avail every moment of amusement? 

Sense of insecurity 

Chinese can’t enjoy their life because the competition is rising. When the people in China are young, the awareness of competition and insecurities are inculcated in their little minds. They never let their kid fail in any of the fields. The Chinese parents spend most of their savings on developing new skills and hobbies in their children. They remind them to work harder and never allow them to have fun during the holidays. 

A survey showed that when a person in china completes his studies, gets a nice job, buys a great house, and marry a beautiful girl before 30, he is considered a successful person. Once they have kids, the cycle repeats, and their children do the same. Doesn’t it develop pressure on the Chinese? Well, a lot of pressure. 

So, increasing population and limited reserves are considered to be a threat to them. The insecurities of an uncertain future and the fear of losing all the resources urge them not to take a break.

The diligent people are more rewarded.

Another reason that contributes to the stern and untiring working capacity of Chinese is that they believe that diligent people are more rewarded. And the work is everything. In China, a lazy person is considered a criminal. Moreover, enduring hard work is like a religion to them. This thinking holds them steadfast and compels them to sacrifice for the sake of their families. Chinese would rather do everything, such as work diligently to impress their boss. 

If you have been in China and sharing the same workplace, you would see that to maintain a good image in front of the head; the Chinese never leave the office before the boss, no matter how hard they need to work.

Others reasons why the Chinese are the most hardworking nation:

• They believe that hard work can solve complicated problems. 
• Society urges them to get success every time.
• When the Chinese shift to other countries, they consider it a chance to prove themselves and their nation. 
• The continuous hard work makes their families proud of them. 
• Education is very important to them.     

Which country is working as hard as the Chinese?

You might be thinking that after china, which country has the most hardworking people? The organization for economic cooperation and development claims that Mexico is the country with the laborious and industrious people. On average, each Mexican worker for almost 2148 hours every year.  

Bottom line  

Chinese workers are the pride of their companies. They focus on the work and provide the best output. They continuously work to ensure productivity and accuracy. Despite the diligence of workers, the maintenance of the working conditions and fulfilling the employees’ individual needs is the owners’ responsibility. 

The state council endorsed the regulation that every worker can have paid leave of days annually. However, the employees who have worked for more than ten years in an organization can enjoy ten days’ leaves. While the workers providing their services for over 20 years can get 15 days paid leave. 

So now, the Chinese can also enjoy their vacation and tour the best place in the town.