eNewsletter

There is an emerging social trend in China in which workers are handing in “naked resignations.”  It appears that this phenomenon started in 2011.  Naked resignations occur when workers quit their current job before finding another job, spending the time in-between to pursue personal interests.

This trend of quitting without the security of another job offer highlights the liberal and independent generation of workers in the Chinese labor market.  These workers may be less attracted by higher salaries and job security.  Instead, they look for more equality in the job market, career development opportunities, greater job satisfaction, and better work-life balance.

In addition, if they are highly qualified, they know that when they decide to go back into the marketplace, there will be plenty of opportunities.

The shift from the traditional work ethic also has led to a greater number of experienced workers moving out of the Chinese business capitals of Beijing and Shanghai into second and third tier cities, where the lifestyle is more relaxed.

This social trend is expected to become more common as living standards in China improve as the country progresses from an export-driven manufacturing economy to an innovation-driven economy.