Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Chinese Workers Fight Office Ageing With Parasols And Sunscreen
Some people in China say their offices make them feel and look older during the workday.
They blame bright indoor lights, dry air, dust, smoke and not enough fresh air.
Some workers use sunscreen, umbrellas, hats and face coverings at their desks.
Others make small humidifiers from empty drink cups or keep rocks and mango pits as calming desk “pets.”
Social media posts compare how workers look in the morning with how they look after many hours at work.
The symptoms people describe include tired eyes, dry skin, headaches and trouble concentrating.
These complaints are similar to what is sometimes called sick building syndrome.
Many workers want healthier offices and shorter or more reasonable working hours instead of having to solve the problem themselves.
Chinese office workers are using parasols, sunscreen, hats and face coverings indoors over concerns about “office ageing.”
Workers associate skin changes, eye strain and discomfort with lighting, dry air, poor ventilation, dust, smoke and long hours.
Experts and reports link office conditions with symptoms associated with sick building syndrome, including fatigue and poor concentration.
Social media users also describe appearance changes during the workday, including dull skin, facial puffiness and posture problems.
China’s reported average working week was about 48.2 hours in May, exceeding the stated statutory limit of 44 hours.
- Who
- Chinese office workers, workplace commentators and lighting designer Yoki are discussed.
- What
- Workers are adopting unusual self-care measures to cope with concerns about “office ageing” and unhealthy workplace conditions.
- When
- The trend was reported on September 2, 2026; China’s average working week was reported as of May.
- Where
- Workplaces in China, including examples from Jiangsu province.
- Why
- Workers are concerned that lighting, air quality, dryness, smoke, long hours and office routines are affecting their health, comfort and appearance.
- Reported average workweek
- About 48.2 hours in China as of May.
- Stated statutory limit
- 44 hours per week.
- Reported coping measures
- Parasols, sunscreen, sun hats, face coverings and makeshift humidifiers.
- Workplace concerns
- Cool-toned lighting, dry air, dusty ventilation systems, elevated carbon dioxide and second-hand smoke.
- Reported symptoms
- Eye strain, dry skin, headaches, nasal congestion, throat irritation, fatigue and poor concentration.
- Related concept
- The World Health Organization introduced the term “sick building syndrome” in the 1980s.
- Online discussion
- Users have described changes in complexion, facial puffiness, posture and skin during the workday.