The Mid-Autumn Festival season, traditionally a time of celebration for China's cross-border e-commerce industry, has been overshadowed this year by growing concerns about overtime work and vacation policies. As the anticipated "Golden September, Silver October" peak season fails to materialize, industry workers find themselves caught between demanding work schedules and uncertain job prospects.
The "Roundabout Tactics" of Major Sellers: Forced Single-Day Offs Mask Layoff Dilemmas
Facing an industry-wide downturn, cross-border e-commerce companies are implementing various cost-cutting measures to survive. Reports of layoffs, pay cuts, and extended unpaid leaves have become commonplace, with even leading sellers resorting to extreme measures to minimize losses.
Industry sources reveal that a prominent Guangzhou-based seller, after reducing employee bonuses and year-end incentives, has now implemented a single-day-off workweek while shortening the upcoming National Day holiday from seven days to four. These moves appear designed to pressure employees into resigning voluntarily. The company reportedly spent nearly 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) on N+1 compensation packages before adopting this strategy.
The Single vs. Double Day Off Debate: What Really Matters to Employees?
For years, single-day weekends and alternating six-day workweeks were standard in China's cross-border e-commerce sector. Only in recent years have major companies begun adopting the two-day weekend model, with industry leaders like Eaby, SFC, Tomtop, and Banggood making the transition.
Some employers initially embraced two-day weekends as a productivity strategy. "Rather than chasing meaningless work hours, we want employees to return refreshed and productive," explained one company executive. Research suggests two-day weekends significantly influence job seekers' decisions, giving companies that offer them a hiring advantage.
One Amazon operations specialist currently job hunting stated: "Given the choice between a 10,000-yuan salary with one day off or 8,000 yuan with two, I'd choose the latter without hesitation. The extra rest helps me maintain better focus and enthusiasm at work. I'd rather have proper weekends and voluntarily work overtime than be trapped in a single-day-off system."
However, reality often proves harsh. Many cross-border e-commerce professionals have grown accustomed to single-day weekends. "For e-commerce operations, there's little practical difference," noted one veteran. "Even with two-day weekends, we still need to monitor store metrics. As long as commission structures remain attractive, the extra hours translate directly to earnings." Others expressed gratitude simply for having any guaranteed time off, considering standard holidays a luxury.
Cross-Border E-Commerce in 2023: Seeking Mutual Survival Strategies
The global economic landscape continues presenting challenges in 2023, with businesses worldwide facing existential threats. From Silicon Valley to Shenzhen, layoffs have become distressingly common.
Since 2022, mass layoffs at major U.S. tech firms including Twitter, Meta, and Apple have drawn significant attention. E-commerce platforms familiar to Chinese sellers haven't been spared—Shopify announced 10% staff reductions affecting nearly 1,000 employees, while Amazon reduced its workforce by approximately 100,000 between Q1 and Q2. Retail giants like Walmart and logistics providers including USPS have followed suit.
Domestically, Chinese tech leaders like ByteDance, Alibaba, and Huawei continue optimizing workforces. "Keeping your job is victory enough these days," remarked one industry insider. "Debating single versus double day offs feels luxurious when any guaranteed rest day seems like a gift."
With weakened international consumer spending, rising shipping costs, and intensified competition, previously profitable ventures now struggle to break even. China's cross-border e-commerce sector finds itself particularly vulnerable to these macroeconomic pressures.
Strategic Cost-Cutting: How Companies Are Adapting
Facing these challenges, cross-border e-commerce firms are deploying various survival strategies:
Product Optimization: Companies are streamlining product lines, focusing on high-margin items while eliminating underperformers.
Operational Efficiency: With customer acquisition costs rising, businesses emphasize conversion rate optimization through improved listings, targeted advertising, and enhanced customer service.
Supply Chain Improvements: Firms are renegotiating supplier contracts and optimizing logistics to reduce costs and delivery times.
Technology Integration: Automation tools for customer service, marketing, and data analysis help reduce labor requirements while maintaining operational capacity.
Channel Diversification: Overreliance on single platforms like Amazon has prompted sellers to develop independent websites and social commerce channels.
Workforce Strategies in Challenging Times
For employees navigating this turbulent landscape, several approaches can help safeguard careers:
Skill Development: Continuous learning in e-commerce operations, product development, and digital marketing builds essential career capital.
Market Awareness: Staying informed about industry trends helps professionals anticipate changes and identify opportunities.
Legal Preparedness: Understanding labor rights regarding compensation, contracts, and termination procedures ensures proper recourse when needed.
Career Planning: Long-term professional development planning helps maintain focus during industry fluctuations.
As one industry observer noted: "True corporate success comes from developing human capital. Companies that fail to nurture their workforce ultimately limit their own growth potential." This principle holds particular relevance for cross-border e-commerce, where employee contributions directly impact competitiveness.