Case: when after-hours online work counted as overtime
Published case · facts matterSource published: 15 May 2025Current guidanceCoverage / exclusions: This is a case report from the Beijing Third Intermediate People's Court; it is not national legislation and does not bind courts in other regions of China.
A published Beijing case discusses work performed online outside regular working hours. The court considers the nature, duration, and actual work performed rather than treating every message as overtime.
What the court considered
The court considers the nature and duration of the online work and the work actually performed, rather than treating every message as overtime. The employer cannot avoid liability simply by claiming the work was not approved.
What to take from the case
Read the first case in the original publication. Preserve records that show assigned tasks and work performed when comparing a similar situation.
Need to take the next step?
Official source
Supreme People’s Court · 最高人民法院
This is our reading summary, not an official translation. The linked source is authoritative.
Read official source ↗