An increasing number of Chinese people are suffering from work-related stress. According to a recent survey carried out by an international human resources company, about one-third of China's companies believe their staff are affected.
Fang Ping has been a TV correspondent for two years. Recently, he's been edgy and often has a fever.
Fang said: "I often dream that a tape gets stuck in the player when it's supposed to be aired. When I walk, I often worry my cell phone is ringing. I'm just like a working machine. I have no energy for other activities."
Fang Ping doesn't realize he's already overstressed.
And he isn't the only person chained to his job. Nearly 70 percent of the staff in media and IT companies have to work over 60 hours a week.
IT company staff member said: "I haven't taken one day off in the past six months. I don't want to work overtime, but we have no way out. It's a crucial period for the company, and the boss wants us to work more."
Foreign company staff member said: "We are allowed to apply for days off to compensate for working overtime. But we'll still have to catch up with the work later. That's why fewer than one-tenth of the people here apply for it."
And for those who work on fixed hours, the problem is one of intensity. An average doctor in a big hospital has to see more than 80 patients in one morning. That means three minutes to check, diagnose and prescribe for each patient.
Doctor Zhou Beiling of Beijing Shijitan Hospital said: "I'm compromising my health. I'm not in very good condition right now. I haven't slept for two days and two nights. Doctors' children seldom choose this job. I have two children. Neither is a doctor."
A third source of stress is the need to stay ahead in such fast-developing sectors as education and high-tech.
Zhang Hua, teacher of Yangfangdian No.4 Primary School, said: "Our school is taking part in the nationwide curriculum reform. Although it's only a trial, we are not allowed to fail. Besides teaching, we ourselves have to pass exams for computer skills and English."
Surveys show that those who help others, like teachers and psychologists, and those who face pressure at work, like police, taxi drivers and business managers, are the most likely to be overstressed.
(CCTV July 6, 2006)
