Employer of Record (EOR) services have gained significant traction in China as businesses increasingly seek flexible and compliant solutions for managing employees. Xi’an, a major city in western China, has emerged as a key location for companies leveraging the EOR model to expand their operations. This article explores the working hours and overtime compensation regulations for employees in Xi’an under the EOR framework, shedding light on how businesses and workers navigate these critical aspects of employment.

Understanding the EOR Model in China  

The Employer of Record (EOR) model is a solution that allows businesses to hire employees in a foreign country without establishing a legal entity there. In this arrangement, the EOR acts as the nominal employer, handling administrative tasks such as payroll, tax compliance, and employment contracts, while the client company oversees day-to-day operations and employee management.  

In China, the EOR model is particularly appealing to foreign companies seeking to enter new markets or scale operations without the complexities of setting up a local entity. Xi’an, renowned for its historical significance and growing economic footprint, has become a hub for businesses leveraging EOR services to tap into the region’s talent pool.  

Standard Working Hours in Xi’an  

Under Chinese labor laws, including those applicable to Xi’an, the standard working hours are set at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Employees typically work Monday through Friday, with weekends designated as rest days. This framework ensures that workers have adequate time for rest while maintaining productivity during regular business hours.  

EOR providers operating in Xi’an must ensure compliance with these regulations when drafting employment contracts and managing work schedules. For example, an EOR partner will outline the standard working hours in employee agreements and monitor adherence to labor laws on behalf of the client company.  

Overtime Regulations and Compensation  

Overtime work is subject to strict rules in China, and Xi’an is no exception. Employers must compensate employees for overtime hours at rates prescribed by labor laws:  

1. Weekdays: Overtime pay is calculated at 150% of the employee’s regular hourly wage for work beyond the standard 8-hour day.  

2. Rest Days (Weekends): If employees are required to work on their designated rest days, they must be compensated at 200% of their regular hourly wage unless a compensatory day off is provided.  

3. Public Holidays: Work performed on public holidays must be compensated at 300% of the regular hourly wage.  

EOR providers play a crucial role in ensuring that employees in Xi’an receive their rightful overtime compensation. They handle payroll processing, calculate overtime pay accurately, and ensure compliance with local labor laws to protect both employees and client companies from legal risks.  

Challenges of Managing Overtime Under EOR  

While the EOR model simplifies many aspects of employment management, handling overtime can present unique challenges. These include:  

- Compliance with Local Regulations: Labor laws in China are strictly enforced, and non-compliance can result in penalties or disputes. EOR providers must stay updated on changes to overtime rules and ensure all calculations align with legal standards.  

- Cultural Considerations: In Xi’an and other parts of China, employees may have varying expectations regarding overtime work. Some workers may view overtime as an opportunity to increase earnings, while others may prioritize work-life balance. EOR providers must navigate these cultural nuances effectively.  

- Communication Between Stakeholders: Since the client company manages day-to-day operations while the EOR handles administrative tasks, clear communication is essential to ensure that overtime policies are consistently applied and understood by all parties.  

Benefits of Using EOR Services for Overtime Management  

Despite these challenges, leveraging an EOR provider offers several advantages when managing overtime in Xi’an:  

- Expertise in Local Laws: EOR providers have in-depth knowledge of Chinese labor regulations, ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance with overtime rules.  

- Risk Mitigation: By entrusting employment-related responsibilities to an EOR partner, businesses reduce their exposure to legal risks associated with labor disputes or non-compliance.  

- Streamlined Operations: The EOR model allows companies to focus on core business activities while leaving administrative tasks like overtime compensation to experienced professionals.  

Conclusion  

The EOR model provides an efficient and compliant way for businesses to manage employees in Xi’an, particularly when it comes to working hours and overtime compensation. By understanding local labor laws and partnering with reliable EOR providers, companies can ensure fair treatment of employees while minimizing administrative burdens.  

As Xi’an continues to grow as a strategic business hub, leveraging EOR services will remain a valuable solution for companies seeking to navigate China’s dynamic labor landscape effectively.

For more information on how to set up and manage your international workforce in China, check out ChaadHR's hiring guide for China.

How Chinese Employer of Record (EOR) Works

As a local Employer of Record (EOR), we take on the legal responsibility of employing your new workforce in China. While you manage the day-to-day activities of your employees, we legally hire them through our agency. ChaadHR operates in over a hundred countries and utilizes local networks of experts to gain in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations, as well as recruitment customs and trends. By partnering with us as an EOR, you gain access to this expert knowledge, which can be invaluable when expanding your business into China.

Our employment contract with your employees complies with Chinese labor laws and includes benefits such as insurance and pensions. We can hire, onboard, and manage your new employees in China in a matter of days, ensuring a fast and efficient process.

Hereis how we can assist you:

- We ensure that your new hires are compliant with Chinese laws and regulations.

- We take care of the employment contract, HR (Human Resources) matters, taxes, and payroll.

- We arrange the required visas or work permits for your employees.

- Our team keeps your employees informed about holiday arrangements, benefits, and any changes in labor laws.

- We keep you updated on changes in local laws and ensure that we comply with them.

-Your employees' declarations are forwarded to us on a monthly basis. Once we receive your payment, we deduct taxes and other contributions, and ensure that your employees receive their salaries promptly.

- You retain control over the daily activities and responsibilities of your employees.

🌎💼Compliantly Hire and Pay Talent in 160+ Countries With ChaadHR

With our comprehensive Global Employer of Record (EoR) solution and integrated Global Payroll solution, we empower businesses to confidently and compliantly hire and pay their workforce in over 160 countries. By partnering with ChaadHR, companies can eliminate the burdensome task of entity establishment and navigating complex labor laws, while ensuring their payroll operations are fully compliant with local regulations.

ChaadHR helps businesses expand globally. We provide support for testing new markets, hiring employees, and setting up subsidiaries. Our platform offers compliant onboarding of international contractors, remote employee hiring, and consolidated payroll management through a single dashboard. Book a demo to learn more.