4.5-day workweek

Sichuan’s Mianyang has launched an optional 4.5-day workweek trial to boost post-pandemic recovery, allowing Friday afternoons off to stimulate tourism and consumer spending. Similar pilots in over 10 provinces aim to balance economic revitalization with worker well-being. Analysts caution the policy could strain SMEs facing labor shortages and operational costs, requiring revised overtime rules and digital tools to sustain productivity. Experts emphasize strengthening labor rights, including paid leave systems, to reduce turnover and boost engagement. Mianyang’s experiment may determine whether condensed workweeks evolve from a trend into viable policy amid shifting workplace dynamics.

Mianyang, Sichuan province, has launched a pilot 4.5-day workweek under its *2025 Consumer Revitalization Action Plan*, introducing a “Friday afternoon + weekend” model to boost tourism and domestic spending. The voluntary policy aims to alleviate overcrowding during peak holidays by dispersing travel demand, with analysts noting its alignment with national efforts to stimulate consumption. Preliminary estimates suggest an 8-12% rise in regional tourism revenue, benefiting hospitality sectors. While differing from Western compressed workweek models focused on productivity, the initiative’s success could inspire similar trials across China. Social media反响热烈 show strong public support for extended leisure time and reduced travel congestion.