Xiaohongshu Abolishes Big Week, Small Week System in Bid to Optimize Work Culture

This decision is seen as a way for internet companies to optimize their work processes, reduce labor costs, and increase efficiency. By reducing overtime, companies can also reduce the payment of overtime wages and control labor costs. China's internet companies have already gone through a period of rapid expansion, and their revenue growth is no longer as strong as it was in the early days. The structure of remuneration has also changed, with equity income accounting for a growing proportion, meaning that the proportion of labor income will inevitably decrease.

The cancellation of 大小周 is also in line with the Chinese government's efforts to regulate "内卷" (involution) competition, which refers to the intense and often unsustainable competition within the tech industry. The government has been promoting a more balanced and sustainable approach to work and life, and the cancellation of the "大小周" system is seen as a step in this direction. The government has emphasized the need to regulate "内卷" and ensure that employees have a healthy work-life balance.

The news of Xiaohongshu's decision to cancel its "大小周" work schedule has sparked a heated debate among netizens. Some people support the move, believing that it is a necessary step to protect employees' rights and reduce the pressure of "内卷" (involution), a phenomenon where companies prioritize quantity over quality, leading to overwork and burnout. On social media platforms, some netizens expressed their approval of the decision, saying that "休双休" (resting on weekends) is a basic right that every employee deserves.

However, not everyone is happy with the decision. Some employees expressed concerns that the cancellation of 大小周 would lead to a reduction in their income, as they would no longer receive double pay for working on small weeks. Others worried that the change would not address the underlying issues of overwork and pressure in the company, and that they would still be expected to work long hours without adequate compensation. Some netizens also shared their personal experiences of working in companies that had previously cancelled 大小周, with varying degrees of success.

Companies such as 快手 (Kuaishou) and 字节跳动 (ByteDance) have already abolished the "大小周" system, and this shift is seen as a response to the Chinese government's efforts to regulate the tech industry and protect workers' rights. Experts believe that the cancellation of the "大小周" system will lead to a more balanced work-life culture in the tech industry, with employees having more time to rest and recharge. However, it may also lead to a reduction in employee income, which could have a negative impact on morale and productivity.

In the long term, the cancellation of the "大小周" system may lead to a more sustainable and healthy work culture in the tech industry, with companies focusing on employee well-being and productivity rather than relying on overtime and long working hours. According to Professor Лу Ю (Lou Yu) from China University of Political Science and Law, the tech industry has already passed its rapid expansion phase, and the revenue situation is not as ideal as it was during the initial creation phase. The compensation structure has also changed, with the proportion of equity income increasing, which means that the proportion of labor income will inevitably decrease.

Overall, the cancellation of the "大小周" system by Xiaohongshu is a significant development that reflects the changing landscape of the tech industry in China. While it may have short-term implications for employee income, it is expected to lead to a more sustainable and healthy work culture in the long term. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the cancellation of the "大小周" system will affect Xiaohongshu's employees and the broader tech industry in China.