Spanish entrepreneur Adrián Díaz describes the cultural clash he encounters while trying to implement Western work values in China, particularly the idea of giving employees weekends off.
Adrián Díaz, a Spanish entrepreneur who has lived in China since 2006, illustrates the cultural differences surrounding work ethics between the West and China. In China, the work culture is deeply rooted in long hours and continuous work, with many employees perceiving the concept of a two-day weekend as unusual, and potentially unhealthy. This reflects broader societal attitudes towards work and rest, which differ significantly from those in Western countries.
Historically, the 996 work schedule was prevalent in China, requiring employees to work from 9 AM to 9 PM for six days a week. Although this system was deemed illegal by the Supreme Court in 2021, the ingrained work culture continues to influence perceptions of work-life balance. Díaz's efforts to introduce a more Western-style work environment face resistance, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign entrepreneurs trying to adapt differing cultural norms.
Díaz asserts that China represents "the most absolute capitalism," where individualism prevails, despite the collectivist nature traditionally ascribed to its society. His experience sheds light on the complexities foreign business owners encounter in making cultural adjustments in their operational practices, reflecting the broader implications of globalization and cross-cultural entrepreneurship in China.
