On chinadaily.com.cn

Forum: Hebei to adopt 4.5-workday week

Recently, authorities in Hebei province released a proposal suggesting a 4.5-day working week as part of efforts to raise domestic consumption and leisure spending. However, taking a half-day off would not translate into less work because employees on 40-hour contracts would still have to complete their normal hours. The news triggered discussion online. Last year, Chongqing became the first city to take steps to reduce the working week to 4.5 days. Jiangxi province is also considering giving workers longer weekends. The idea was endorsed by the State Council, China's Cabinet, in August, and is part of a national plan to raise consumption. It is hoped that by giving people more time off, they will spend more and help boost the economy.

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