WATCH: Gen Zs in China opt for 'gross' work outfits to protest against consumerism
Will 'gross outfits for work' become the new quiet quitting and spread to other parts of the world?
Clarence Ford speaks to Barbara Friedman about trending online news. Skip to 7:38 for this one.
There are casual work dress codes and then there's VERY casual - the latter is how working Gen Z's in China are showing up to the office - 'as gross as possible', says Friedman.
At first glance the pictures and videos might make you think that it's just very cold because the outfits are giving cosy winter- esque vibes but Gen Zs are captioning their videos with the hashtag “grossoutfitforwork”.
But Gen Zs are going gross for a reason...
The outfits posted show Gen Zs happily rocking layers of pajamas, baggy jerseys, beanies and furry slippers in an effort to eradicate bad bosses, poor work conditions, low pay and long hours.
So far, the hashtag has attracted more than 140 million views and tens of thousands of discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo alone and the movement has been covered by several international media platforms.
"The point is that these young people are protesting against the rat race, low salaries and what society and rigid work places expect of them."
- Barbara Friedman, Barb's Wire - CapeTalk
Donning your grossest outfit to work has a bigger purpose, 'tang ping'...
After embracing 'tang ping' which is Chinese for “lying flat" and is indicative of a type of lifestyle and philosophy that rejects the rat race and consumerism in favor of a less stressful life.
'Tang Ping' includes pursuing a calm mind and low work intensity.
'Gross outfits' appear to be the latest attempt by some disenchanted Gen Zs to make a statement as the country sees gloomy economic prospects and record high youth unemployment rates.
"It's like a slang word where you reject societal pressure to overwork and over achieve and you lie flat without the overwhelming feelings that a stressful work life can bring - I suppose it's like quiet quitting".
- Barbara Friedman, Barb's Wire - CapeTalk
Will 'gross outfits for work' become the new 'quiet quitting' trend and spread to other parts of the world?
If it does, are you with Ford chanting 'viva young people, viva' or are you more like Friedman who has grown to be proud of her job, enjoys what she does and work with dedication?
Questions, questions...
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.