Rising youth unemployment in China fuels boom in ‘pretend to work’ spaces

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer

The 'pretend to work' trend is gaining traction among unemployed young adults in China. (Representative Image)

Faced with a challenging job market and high rates of youth unemployment, many young adults in China are turning to an unconventional solution: paying companies to simulate a working environment. This growing trend allows individuals to maintain a sense of routine, hide their unemployment status from family, and cope with the social stigma associated with joblessness. These 'pretend to work' services offer desks, Wi-Fi, and even staged interactions with faux supervisors, providing a temporary escape from the pressures of unemployment, according to a report by the BBC.

Here are key takeaways:

• The 'pretend to work' trend is gaining traction among unemployed young adults in China. These individuals are paying companies to gain access to office spaces and a simulated work environment. This allows them to maintain appearances and conceal their unemployment status from family members.
• These companies charge a daily fee, typically ranging from 30 to 50 yuan (approximately Rs 366 to 611), in exchange for providing a desk, Wi-Fi, coffee, lunch, and an atmosphere that mimics a real office. This service caters to those seeking to replicate the 9-to-5 office experience.
• The primary driver behind this trend is China's sluggish economy and the high rate of youth unemployment. Official figures indicate that youth unemployment remains above 14%. In 2024, joblessness among 16 to 24-year-olds surpassed 16%, prompting many to seek alternative solutions to cope with the situation.
• The 'pretend to work' service offers more than just a physical workspace. It provides a sense of routine and normalcy for those who are unemployed. By simulating a typical workday, individuals can avoid social stigma and maintain a sense of purpose.
• The trend has led to the emergence of businesses that specifically cater to this demand, offering services such as rented desks, Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and even staged interactions with fake supervisors. Cities like Chengdu and Hangzhou have seen a rise in these unconventional workspaces, where individuals can rent a desk for as little as $4 a day, according to Radii.

Professor Zhang Jun from the City University noted that the job situation in mainland China is really challenging, and young people have to readjust their expectations.