Conclusion

For some jobs, safety issues need to be considered when overtime is considered. For example, if the worker in question were a driver, would it be safe to have him or her drive 12 hours in a day? A machine operator working on a dangerous piece of equipment may be prone to have an accident, dangerous to them and others if they become tired and careless after long hours without a break.

The question of efficiency comes into play when overtime becomes too prevalent. How much work is actually being done from 9 to 5? Instead of posting and checking moments on WeChat during office hours could more time be spent completing necessary tasks? Less extended lunches, or cutting down on frequent coffee and smoke breaks throughout the day could lend to work being completed within normal work hours. In this respect, outside of “culture”, inefficiency should be considered as a top culprit in why overtime is so prevalent.

Just remember that if you are the boss and are requiring a lot of OT, make sure at minimum to provide suitable meals for them, such as ordering takeout or arranging for an onsite cook depending on the scale of the operation. The food culture in China is extremely important and one best not overlook this if desiring to maintain a positive relationship with staff. That being said, the age old “Emperor mentality” may actually result in workers being required to work overtime regardless. Overtime is commonplace in China. Few are shocked to hear a worker was required to stay late or work over the weekend. In addition, overtime may or may not be compensated. If it is, the worker may actually want the OT more than the boss. Still, there are others who are looking not for higher pay, but a better work life balance. In which cases, OT ideally will be kept to an absolute minimum.