Recently, a new concept called the “Pretend to Work Company” has sparked discussions on social media platforms. This company charges users 30 RMB (Chinese Yuan) per day to provide basic office facilities such as workstations, internet, and tea, creating a simulated work environment. Who would voluntarily pay to “pretend” to work? Are there legal risks behind the “Pretend to Work Company” in reality?
In recent years, with the downturn in the Chinese economy leading to an increase in unemployment, the phenomenon of “pretending to work” has become popular in mainland China. Behind this trend are people who have lost their jobs in the wave of unemployment and still need to cope with financial burdens such as rent, loans, and family expenses after losing their stable income. They feel unable to admit their unemployment status openly and choose to “pretend to work” to hide their economic difficulties, leading to the emergence of “Pretend to Work Companies”.
In promotional materials, the “Pretend to Work Company” is depicted as providing a workspace that resembles an office environment, complete with workstations, internet, printer, tea, restroom, etc. All for just 30 RMB, users can “work” here from nine to five.
A visit was made to a “Pretend to Work Company” in the Wuhou District of Chengdu on January 14th, where a 40-square-meter office space was neatly arranged with 10 desks and chairs, along with amenities like a water dispenser and a blackboard. A person named Ajun, who introduced the workspace he rented two years ago for 3,000 RMB per month, stated, “We focus on online business, but the company needs a registered address, so we rented this place.”
At the end of last year, Ajun saw the “Pretend to Work Company” gaining popularity online and decided to post information on various platforms. He mentioned that the workspace can accommodate at least 8-10 people, and by renting the space to them, he might save on rent.
Ajun mentioned that inquiries after posting the information mainly came from college students and job seekers. To mitigate risks, they do not provide labor contracts, considering it as a virtual life experience. According to Ajun, they can also offer emotional value services based on customer demands, such as assigning tasks and supervising them while simulating work scenarios.
Freelancer Mr. Li finds great value in working at a “Pretend to Work Company.” He explained that he is not comfortable working at home as he tends to relax or scroll through his phone there. Consequently, he often seeks public places like cafes to work. He compared the inconvenience of spending 40 RMB for a cup of coffee at cafes with the comfort and lack of “seat anxiety” at a “Pretend to Work Company”.
However, some people feel that working at a “Pretend to Work Company” requires a high level of self-discipline. Student Wu shared his experience of trying it out after seeing it online. He found the atmosphere lacking studying vibes and preferred going back to the library.
On platforms like Xiaohongshu and Xianyu, there are posts about “Pretend to Work Companies,” with market research questions like, “Would people go to a ‘Pretend to Work Company’?”
Comments in the section playfully ask, “Is it the era of paying to work coming?” while others caution, “Be cautious; this business trend is catching on, where you can stay for a day for 30 RMB, including meals.”
Multiple “Pretend to Work Companies” have been registered in various cities nationwide since December last year. They are shown to have a registered capital ranging from 1 to 10 thousand RMB with 1-3 members and no contact information listed.
Would starting a “Pretend to Work Company” pose legal risks?
Lawyer Zhaoliangshan from Shaanxi Hengda Law Firm believes that such service companies inherently carry risks. As the number of people pretending to work increases and gathers in the company’s premises, it may lead to various conflicts and disputes. He suggests that service companies need to consider how to manage this to prevent illegal operations. Furthermore, for the “pretenders to work”, if the service company uses the workspace for illegal activities or false advertising, there is a risk of them being deceived, especially in the misuse of personal information.
Zhaoliangshan recommends that citizens considering working at a “Pretend to Work Company” should be cautious, alert, and pay attention to the following: avoid being brainwashed or passively involved in illegal activities like fraud or pyramid schemes. Guard personal privacy and avoid lending or allowing others to use personal identification, bank cards, phone cards, etc. If there is a need for social security payments or internships, try to process it through legitimate employers to prevent irreversible losses or regrets.