Burned-out young workers in China have found a novel way to alleviate workplace stress: cultivating bananas in the office. This trend, known as “stop banana green” (ting zhi jiao lu in Mandarin), sounds similar to “stop anxiety” in English and has gained popularity on Xiaohongshu, China’s version of Instagram. Related posts have garnered more than 22,000 likes, highlighting the appeal of this anxiety-busting activity.
The process involves buying bananas when they are still green with the stems attached and placing them in vases of water. Over a week or so, the bananas ripen, offering a fun and distracting activity from work-related stress. “From lush green to golden yellow, every moment is filled with endless hope and surprises,” one person commented online, adding, “Eat away the anxiety and let your troubles vanish.”
Sharing bananas with colleagues has also become a way to foster better relationships in the workplace. “Desktop bananas naturally generate conversation,” observed one online user. Some workers even write their colleagues’ names on the banana skins to “reserve” them before distributing them to their peers.
The trend has spurred a significant increase in banana sales on the e-commerce platform Taobao, with the top-selling store recently moving more than 20,000 bunches. However, some speculate that the trend may have originated as a marketing stunt by banana farmers responding to a slump in sales. “Are bananas not selling well this year? I’ve seen this type of banana being advertised more than once, and they are more expensive than buying them directly,” noted one Xiaohongshu user.
In addition to bananas, some young office workers are growing pineapples in vases. “My workstation is like a tropical rainforest; it feels like I’ve stepped into spring early,” said a worker surnamed Yang, who grows fruit on her desk and plans to add more. “Customizing workstations according to personal preferences allows young people to create a sense of belonging and security in their own little space, helping them feel happier at work,” explained psychologist Yu Guangrui to Shanghai’s Youth Newspaper.
With the average working week in China exceeding 49 hours, young workers are constantly seeking ways to alleviate stress. Last month, the “20-minute park effect” trend also went viral on Xiaohongshu, as office workers discovered that even a brief visit to an urban park could enhance their well-being and sense of happiness.
Incorporating these small, personal touches into their work environment allows employees to find moments of joy and relaxation amid their busy schedules, contributing to overall workplace wellness.
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