Why can't China stop working overtime?

The podcast explores the issue of excessive overtime work in China, despite existing labor laws and growing awareness of its negative impacts. It questions why the culture of long working hours persists, considering factors like economic pressures, competition, and societal values around work ethic. The discussion highlights a 2025 report indicating that nearly 40% of workers work overtime daily and introduces the concept of "invisible overtime," where digital tools blur the lines between work and personal life. The panel also references global labor statistics, with China averaging around 48 hours per week compared to significantly lower averages in developed countries like the Netherlands and Germany. The conversation further examines the health risks associated with long working hours, the evolving attitudes of younger generations towards overtime, and potential solutions such as legal frameworks and a shift in company culture.