Shengzhou, a county-level city administered by Shaoxing city, Zhejiang province, recently announced that government bodies, social organizations, and enterprises will adhere to a 4.5-day work week from July 1 to Dec 31 this year.

The move is part of the city's efforts to increase consumption and ensure economic stability.

According to guidelines, as long as employees maintain normal productivity, they will be encouraged to take Friday afternoons off, or trade two Friday afternoons for a full Friday on special occasions. These half-day vacations will offset worker's overtime hours and annual leave.

"The 4.5-day work week test run will make it easier for people to take trips on weekends, which will boost tourism. A more flexible vacation system can also benefit employees’ metal health and productivity," an official from Shengzhou said.

To help facilitate the new system, Shengzhou is advocating for conference-free Fridays for government bodies as well, meaning no meetings should be scheduled on Friday afternoons or weekends except in special cases.