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China’s elite pushes for overtime curbs and public holiday to tackle low birth rate

Financial Times Asia
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China’s political and business leaders proposed stricter overtime limits and a new public holiday in March 2026 to combat the nation’s record-low birth rate, framing work-life balance as key to reversing demographic decline. The initiative targets China’s notorious "996" culture (9 AM–9 PM, 6 days a week), with elite policymakers advocating legislative caps on weekly work hours to reduce burnout and encourage family planning. A proposed "Family Day" holiday would offer paid leave for couples, aligning with broader incentives like childcare subsidies and housing benefits to boost fertility rates amid an aging population. Economists warn labor shortages could worsen without intervention, as China’s workforce shrinks faster than expected, threatening long-term growth and straining pension systems. Critics argue enforcement remains unclear, with tech and manufacturing sectors resistant to reforms, raising doubts about the policy’s effectiveness in a slowing economy.
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Source: Financial Times Asia

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