China: Alcohol Fuels Toxic Workplace Culture

An alleged rape case in Chinese tech giant Alibaba has opened up the major issue of toxic workplace culture fueled by alcohol. In China, and neighboring East Asian countries Japan and South Korea, there is a pervasive alcohol norm attached with work. This norm pressures people to go out for alcohol after work, especially if invited by a senior or a client. Saying no can mean serious repercussions, including missing opportunities to advance in their career or losing business deals.