Inside China's Youth Movement Toward Quiet Quitting

In recent years, a subtle yet powerful shift has been rippling through China’s urban workplaces: young professionals are quietly stepping back. Known as the 'quiet quitting' movement, this trend isn’t about literal resignations—it’s about drawing boundaries, rejecting hustle culture, and reclaiming personal time. From tech hubs like Shenzhen to corporate offices in Beijing, Chinese youth are saying 'no' to burnout.

Unlike the Western interpretation of quiet quitting—doing the bare minimum—China’s version is more nuanced. It’s a form of silent resistance against the 996 work culture (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week), which once defined success in industries like tech and finance. Now, Gen Z and Millennials are prioritizing mental health, work-life balance, and meaningful work over endless promotions.

Data from a 2023 survey by Zhaopin, a leading Chinese job platform, reveals that 64% of workers aged 18–35 reported feeling emotionally drained at work, and nearly half have considered reducing their workload or switching to less stressful roles. This isn’t laziness—it’s self-preservation.

The Rise of 'Fu Luo Wei' (躺平) and 'Ji Bai'

The roots of quiet quitting in China trace back to the tanping (‘lying flat’) movement of 2021, where young people rejected societal pressure to overachieve. This evolved into ji bai (‘opting out’), where individuals disengage from competitive career ladders altogether.

A McKinsey report noted that 30% of Chinese youth now prioritize job satisfaction over salary, a significant jump from just 15% in 2018. Employers are noticing: companies like Alibaba and Tencent have started revising overtime policies and introducing flexible hours to retain talent.

Why Are They Quietly Quitting?

Several factors fuel this cultural pivot:

• Economic uncertainty: With youth unemployment hitting a record 21.3% in 2023 (National Bureau of Statistics), many feel that no amount of hard work guarantees stability.
• Mental health awareness: Social media has amplified conversations around anxiety and depression, making it easier to speak up.
• Changing values: Younger generations value experiences, travel, and family time more than corporate loyalty.

Quiet Quitting in Numbers: A Snapshot

This data isn’t just numbers—it’s a wake-up call for employers. The era of rewarding overwork is fading. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing their most creative and driven employees.

What Can Employers Do?

Forward-thinking organizations are responding with empathy:

• Introducing four-day workweeks (e.g., some startups in Hangzhou)
• Offering mental health days and counseling services
• Redesigning performance reviews to reward balance, not just output

As one 28-year-old software engineer in Shanghai put it: 'I’m not quitting my job—I’m quitting the idea that I must sacrifice my life for it.'

In conclusion, China’s quiet quitting movement isn’t a rebellion—it’s a reset. It reflects a generation redefining success on their own terms. For businesses, the message is clear: adapt with compassion, or risk being left behind.