Core Viewpoint - Xiaohongshu announced the cancellation of cash and stock options for non-compete agreements starting May 1, aiming to foster long-term relationships with employees by only requiring confidentiality and non-solicitation obligations [1][3]. Group 1: Changes in Employment Policies - Xiaohongshu is one of the first internet companies to explicitly cancel non-compete agreements, signaling a shift in employee relations [3]. - The company will allow employees to choose between retaining their stock options or selling them back to the company at the repurchase price upon leaving [3]. - The cancellation of the "big-small week" work schedule will transition to a standard two-day weekend, reducing the average monthly workdays [4][6]. Group 2: Implications of Policy Changes - The "big-small week" schedule typically required employees to work six days one week and five days the next, resulting in two additional workdays per month, often compensated with double pay for the extra days [5][10]. - Employees have expressed mixed feelings about the changes; while some anticipate a decrease in salary due to fewer working days, others believe the reduction in workload will lead to a better work-life balance [7][8]. - The trend of canceling the "big-small week" has been observed in other internet companies, indicating a broader industry shift towards optimizing work processes and improving employee well-being [9][10]. Group 3: Expert Opinions - Experts suggest that the cancellation of the "big-small week" aligns with national policies aimed at optimizing work processes, reducing labor costs, and enhancing overall efficiency [11]. - The move is seen as a way to improve employees' quality of life, which could stimulate consumption and contribute to societal development, although it may increase labor costs for companies [11].

Core Viewpoint - Xiaohongshu has decided to cancel the "big-small week" work schedule starting after the May Day holiday, following a trend among several major companies to abandon this work arrangement [1]. Group 1: Background on Work Schedule - The "big-small week" work schedule is a system where employees alternate between a week with two days off (big week) and a week with only one day off (small week) [6]. - The five-day workweek was officially implemented in China in 1995, after a transition period that included the "big-small week" arrangement starting in 1994 [3]. Group 2: Companies Implementing Changes - Several major companies have previously adopted and then canceled the "big-small week" system, including: - Kuaishou, which announced the cancellation effective July 1, 2021 [4]. - ByteDance, which canceled it effective August 1, 2021, after nine years of implementation [4]. - Meituan Youxuan, which canceled it in mid-July 2021 [4]. - BOSS Zhipin, which announced cancellation effective September 1, 2021 [5]. - Vivo, which made the announcement on September 13, 2021 [5]. - Xiaopeng Motors, which reportedly canceled it effective September 2, 2021 [5]. - Gree Electric, which adjusted its work schedule to a double rest system on November 22, 2021 [7]. Group 3: Impact of Cancellation - The cancellation of the "big-small week" is expected to impact employee income, as working on small weeks typically earns double pay for overtime, potentially reducing income by approximately 15% [7]. - Employee feedback from ByteDance indicated that about one-third opposed the cancellation, with some employees estimating a loss of around 100,000 yuan annually due to the change [7].