Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing issue of excessive overtime in China, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws to protect workers' rights and reduce unnecessary overtime [3][5]. Group 1: Current Situation of Overtime - In 2025, the average weekly working hours for employees in China reached 48.6 hours, exceeding that of most developed countries [3]. - A survey by Zhilian Recruitment indicated that 38.7% of workers almost work overtime daily, with nearly 60% of them doing so without pay, and only 26.5% receiving overtime compensation [3][5]. Group 2: Legal Framework and Enforcement Issues - The Labor Law stipulates a maximum of 8 hours of work per day and an average of 44 hours per week, with specific provisions for overtime pay [4]. - Many employers treat overtime as a norm, often including "willingness to work overtime" in job requirements, and it is common for employees to work overtime without compensation [5]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Strict enforcement of labor laws is essential to curb the culture of excessive overtime, as current lax enforcement allows this issue to persist [5][6]. - Lowering the barriers for workers to report violations, such as establishing confidential reporting channels and optimizing evidence requirements, could empower employees to defend their rights [6]. - Increasing the penalties for employers who violate labor laws is necessary to ensure compliance, potentially linking labor practices to benefits like government procurement [6]. - It is also important to refine legal definitions of "coerced overtime" to provide clearer guidelines for enforcement [6].