In China, where youth unemployment exceeds 14%, an interesting new idea has emerged - fake offices. Young people pay money to spend time in these offices, which are created as an illusion of a real workplace. This practice has spread in large cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Wuhan.
The Essence of Fake Offices
One entrepreneur, Shui Zhou, after losing his business, started paying 30 yuan a day to work in the fake office of the company Pretend To Work. There, he meets with other 'employees' who also play the role of busy workers. The cost of visiting a fake office can range from 30 to 50 yuan a day. This place is not only for 'sitting in the office' but also for job searching, working on projects, or launching startups.
And although there is no strict control, participants spend time in the fake office productively. Experts consider this practice a 'transitional form of employment,' which helps young people wait, think about ideas for future startups, or just feel like part of society.
The Importance of the Idea
The founder of one of the fake offices, Feiyu, was also unemployed after closing his business during the pandemic. This business not only provides a place for 'work' but also helps clients feel needed. More than 40% of clients are university graduates looking for formal 'work experience.' Others come to escape parental pressure or just to relax during the workday.
This idea has already found its followers in China, where it has become one of the ways to escape unemployment and stress. The idea has become so popular that new applicants even have to wait for a spot to become available in the fake office.
Fake offices for youth in China have become an innovative way to address youth unemployment issues, providing them with the opportunity to feel useful and spend time benefiting their future. This practice has become popular among graduates and those seeking an escape from stressful situations, turning fake offices into an important chain for supporting youth in society.