SINGAPORE: Imagine a world where your work week is just four and a half days, leaving you with a glorious two and a half days off! That’s exactly what the city of Mianyang in Sichuan, China, is experimenting with, all in a bid to breathe life back into its sluggish economy.

The idea is straightforward: a new “Friday afternoon plus weekend” leave model set to launch as part of Mianyang’s ambitious 2025 economic revitalization plan. Announced earlier this year, buzz around this proposal exploded on Chinese social media recently, sparking discussions and gaining widespread approval.

Boosting consumption is crucial for China as it emerges from deflation and navigates growing trade tensions with the U.S. The push for a shorter work week is also seen as a way to combat the notorious '996 work system'—where employees toil from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. Companies nationwide are now seeking ways to allow employees to enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Cities like Chongqing and regions such as Hebei and Fujian are also exploring shorter work weeks, with Mianyang leading the charge. In Longnan, Gansu, businesses are already giving workers Friday afternoons off, provided essential tasks are completed. And in Mianyang, this extra half day promises more time for leisure activities such as travel and family outings, according to local officials.

The plan, however, remains in preliminary stages, with officials clarifying that while the proposal is encouraging, it is not mandatory. There are still hurdles to overcome regarding how these shorter weeks will be implemented across different sectors. Concerns have arisen about equitable application, especially for industries where long hours are the norm.

On social media, reactions are a mixed bag. A trending hashtag, “2.5-day weekend is coming,” has garnered massive engagement, demonstrating the public’s interest in this experiment. Nevertheless, skepticism persists. Some argue that the government should first ensure a proper two-day weekend before moving towards potentially unrealistic expectations of a two-and-a-half-day break.

Critics have raised valid concerns about the vagueness of the new policy and the potential implications for workers across different industries. Will factory laborers, who typically clock 12-hour shifts, benefit from such changes? This gap in application raises critical questions about how the new policy will unfold.

Experts like Professor Yang Haiyang emphasize that while reducing work hours aligns with broader social progress, it can’t simply be imposed without considering existing working conditions. A well-rounded implementation strategy is essential for it to succeed—after all, it's a delicate balancing act between corporate costs and employee satisfaction.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Mianyang. If successful, this experiment could set a precedent for cities across China and even inspire global shifts towards a more balanced work-life model. But the road ahead is rocky, and how these new policies will transform the landscape of work in China remains to be seen!