Is China Losing Its Work Ethic? Olympic Golds Prove Otherwise

Is China losing its renowned dedication to hard work?

Last month, a CSIS study reported growing disillusionment among Chinese people with their economic system.

In the past, studies repeatedly found that Chinese people largely attributed success to hard work and failure to personal shortcomings. “Lack of ability” was consistently seen as the main reason for poverty until 2014. Personal skills, hard work, and education were viewed as the primary paths to wealth.

But new research shows people’s views have changed a lot. Now, most Chinese people say that not everyone gets the same chances in life, and that’s why some stay poor. Many also blame an unfair economy for keeping people in poverty.

Meanwhile, the study says Chinese people now believe getting rich depends more on who you know, what you’re born into, and how unfair the system is, rather than personal effort.

This changing view is showing up in popular trends like the “lying flat” movement, known in Chinese as “tang ping” (躺平) – a rejection of societal pressures to overwork.

Also, fewer people in China are starting their own businesses compared to similar countries. Only about seven out of every 100 people try to start a business, which is the lowest rate among comparable economies.

So, are we witnessing the twilight of the famously intense Chinese work ethic that once prompted academics to pen articles titled “Why Do the Chinese Work So Hard?”

Not quite.

It’s Complicated

You see China’s vastness allows for multiple, sometimes contradictory, trends to coexist.

While the “lying flat” movement has gained prominence, it primarily reflects the experiences of young urban professionals. This group is often overrepresented in Western media due to their internationalized outlook and willingness to talk to foreign reporters.

In most of Chinese society, particularly in rural areas and lower income households, the ethos of hard work remains strong.

For instance, many Chinese Olympians rose from modest beginnings, far from the gleaming stadiums of international competition.

Olympic Stars

Take Quan Hongchan, who, at 14 years old, captured gold in the women’s 10-meter platform diving event at the Tokyo Olympics. Her success continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics. There, she secured two gold medals. One came in the individual 10-meter platform event. The other was in the synchronized 10-meter platform, where she partnered with teammate Chen Yuxi.

Hailing from rural Guangdong province, Quan is the third of five children born to a family of farmers. Her journey to Olympic glory was initially motivated by a desire to help pay for her mother’s medical treatment after a serious injury in 2017.

Likewise, Chinese tennis superstar Zheng Qinwen, born in 2002, didn’t come from a privileged background. She grew up in a small city where tennis wasn’t common, and her family didn’t have much money. Despite this, her parents recognized her talent and made big sacrifices to support her, even moving to different cities for better coaching. Her hard work and her family’s dedication paid off – she’s now one of the world’s most promising young tennis players.

Similarly, Hou Zhihui, who clinched gold in weightlifting at the Paris Games, rose from modest beginnings in Hunan province. Her path from rural obscurity to Olympic champion exemplifies the determination that has become a hallmark of Chinese athletes.

A part of this story is, of course, China’s 2,000 state-run sports academies, which offer resources for underprivileged children to compete internationally. However, this system’s success also stems from the athletes’ remarkable determination and resilience.

A Culture of Hard Work

While Olympic success stories often capture the spotlight, broader statistics reveal a persistent culture of hard work in China:

• Long working hours: Despite attempts to reduce working hours, China remains in the top decile of weekly working hours by country, according to the U.N. The average Chinese worker puts in between 2,000 and 2,200 hours (about 3 months) yearly. For comparison, the U.K. average is 1,677 hours (about 2 and a half months).
• Continuous learning: The average length of education for Chinese workers continues to increase, rising from 13.6 years in 2017 to 13.8 years in 2022.
• Upskilling enthusiasm: 95.3% of workers express interest in acquiring new vocational skills or knowledge, particularly those aged 18 to 40 and those with higher education.
• Workforce mobility: In 2022, China had around 293 million migrant workers, representing 72% of the total labor force, demonstrating a continued willingness to relocate for work opportunities.

Source: All-China Federation of Trade Unions’ Ninth National Workforce Survey (Chinese)

On-The-Ground Experience

As an employer of record, we work with hundreds of Chinese professionals across China each year, and “lack of hard work” is rarely a trait we encounter.

In our experience, the drive for self-improvement and career advancement remains a defining characteristic of the Chinese workforce.

Our clients frequently cite this dedicated work ethic, alongside China’s robust logistics network, as primary reasons for operating in the country.

Need guidance on effectively working with a Chinese team? Book a consultation with our China specialists to ensure your success in China.