Social Phenomena China From Hustle Culture to Quiet Quitting

In recent years, a quiet but powerful shift has been rippling through China's workforce — from the all-consuming hustle culture to the rising trend of quiet quitting. Once glorified, the 996 work schedule (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week) now faces backlash as younger generations redefine success and well-being.

According to a 2023 survey by Zhaopin, over 64% of Chinese professionals aged 18–35 reported burnout symptoms, with 58% actively seeking ways to reduce work pressure. This cultural pivot isn’t just about laziness — it’s a rebellion against unsustainable expectations.

The Rise and Fall of Hustle Culture

Hustle culture was once the backbone of China’s rapid economic growth. Tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent normalized long hours, branding them as dedication. In 2021, Jack Ma praised the 996 model as a "huge blessing." But public sentiment shifted fast.

After several high-profile cases of overwork-related deaths, known as guolaosi (过劳死), social media exploded with criticism. Platforms like Douban saw communities like "Anti-996" gain hundreds of thousands of members. The government responded: in 2021, China’s Supreme Court officially ruled that 996 schedules violate labor laws.

Enter: Quiet Quitting

Quiet quitting doesn’t mean leaving your job — it means doing the bare minimum required. It’s clocking in at 9, leaving at 6, skipping unpaid overtime, and refusing to romanticize work-life imbalance.

A 2022 PwC report found that 47% of Gen Z employees in China prioritize mental health over career advancement — a stark contrast to previous generations. This mindset is encapsulated in the phrase “tang ping” (躺平), or “lying flat,” which went viral in 2021 as a symbol of opting out of societal pressure.

Workplace Shifts in Numbers

Let’s break down how attitudes are changing:

This data shows a seismic shift in values. Employees aren’t just tired — they’re redefining what it means to succeed.

Employers Are Adapting

Forward-thinking companies are responding. Huawei introduced flexible hours in 2022. ByteDance allows remote work options. Even state-owned enterprises are cutting mandatory overtime.

But challenges remain. In competitive industries like finance and tech, peer pressure to overwork persists. Yet, change is inevitable when talent starts voting with their time.

The Bigger Picture

This movement reflects deeper societal changes: declining birth rates, housing pressures, and disillusionment with the myth of upward mobility. Young people aren’t lazy — they’re recalibrating.

As one Weibo user put it: "I’m not quitting my job. I’m quitting the idea that my worth is tied to my productivity."

The era of hustle porn is fading. In its place? A quieter, more sustainable revolution.