In China, the concept of 病假 (bìngjià) is straightforward, but the cultural attitude around it can differ from the West. There is a strong cultural value placed on 吃苦耐劳 (chī kǔ nài láo), which means “to bear hardships and endure hard work.” Consequently, some employees, particularly from older generations or in more traditional companies, might feel a sense of guilt or hesitation about taking sick leave for minor ailments, fearing they might burden their colleagues. However, in modern, especially urban and international, companies, taking 病假 is a standard and accepted practice. The key difference compared to some Western workplaces lies in the formality and proof required.
Using 病假 correctly is a crucial skill for anyone working or studying in China.