Chinese are wedded to the idea, as a saying puts it, that the more you work, the more you gain. For many on the mainland, that means working long hours, typically between 40 and 44 a week, with most getting only one day off and for some, none. A proposal by the Hebei provincial government that companies give a trial to 21/ 2-day weekends for employees has therefore been greeted cautiously. While it has won some plaudits in online forums, most wonder just who will benefit. For authorities, the answer is straightforward; they hope everyone involved. The main aim is to boost economic growth by getting workers outdoors to spend more. But, as the experience elsewhere of reducing working hours has shown, there are also benefits to health, the environment and productivity. It is one reason, experts claim, that countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark have economies that are tougher and more resilient than elsewhere on the continent.

Typical weekly working hours in the three European nations are between 29 and 35. Stress levels are low, resulting in less sick leave and lower medical costs. Companies use less power and employees do not travel to and from offices and factories as much, reducing carbon footprints. Productivity levels rise; employees have a more positive outlook, get done what they have to in a shorter time and are better able to handle domestic responsibilities.

2½-day weekend economic stimulus plan meets resistance in China

When a culture is so accustomed to working long hours, scepticism abounds when there is a suggestion that ways should change. In the case of Hebei, there are doubts that giving an extra half day off work will have much impact on the economy. Government employees are perceived as benefiting most, while those working for cash-strapped small and medium-sized companies are seen as less likely to be affected. Some complained that would mean government offices would be closed for an extra half day, creating inconvenience.