‘No job is worth that’: Chinese techie dies after intense workload, gets office text hours after death

Chinese programmer dies after intense workload. (AI-generated image)

Work-life balance is a concern across the world, with long hours and high job pressures affecting millions of workers. Experts warn that constant overwork can have serious health consequences, including stress and heart problems. The issue has become particularly pressing in fast-paced industries such as technology.

A recent report by the South China Morning Post revealed that a man in China died after facing an intense workload. Gao Guanghui, 32, collapsed at home and was pronounced dead at hospital on 29 November 2025. His family said overwork contributed to his death. Hours later, his phone reportedly received a work-related message, highlighting the extreme expectations in some workplaces.

Gao, who had been promoted to team leader in 2021, often worked late. His wife, Li, frequently asked him to come home on time. “If I could turn back time, I would force him to quit his work,” she said.

On the morning of his death, Gao woke feeling unwell but continued working from home. His condition worsened, and he collapsed. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The official cause was a sudden heart attack.

Eight hours after his death, Gao’s phone received a work message calling for urgent inspection. The report said this highlighted the pressures of China’s “always-on” work culture, despite labour laws stating employees should not work more than eight hours a day and 44 hours a week.

Gao moved to Guangzhou in southern China from Henan province with his parents. He had a difficult childhood, collecting garbage for pocket money and working part-time jobs in college. He married a schoolmate, and the couple did not have children.

Li believes her husband’s death was caused by chronic overwork. Local reports said his employer, CVTE Group, provided some compensation but denied responsibility.

The news has sparked reactions online. As reported by the SCMP, one person said, “It is so sad that he worked until the last moment of his life. No job is worth that.” “This responsible man can finally get some rest,” said another. “A company that can only profit from its employees working overtime should just go bankrupt,” commented a third.