Is canceling overtime a right? Or is it selfishness? How to deal with this new trend spreading among young people.

While values such as "it's okay to do the bare minimum at work" and "work-life balance comes first" are spreading, many people are likely feeling anxious, wondering, "Will my boss get angry?" or "Is this legally OK?" This article provides a clear, professional explanation of the social phenomena behind refusing overtime, the legal correctness of such refusals, and key points for companies and individuals to work together effectively.

"Canceling overtime" is not just a fad! It's rooted in the "quiet resignation" trend and changing values.

The phenomenon of "overtime cancellation" currently occurring among young people is not simply a matter of individual selfishness or a desire to "take it easy," but is closely related to structural changes in society as a whole.

■ Relationship with "Quiet Quitting"
At the root of this phenomenon lies a work style called "quiet retirement." This refers to a state where employees don't actually quit their jobs, but their enthusiasm and sense of belonging to their work are low, and they only perform the minimum required tasks. According to a survey by Mynavi, a major human resources information company (2025),Approximately 46.71 TP3T of full-time employees in their 20s are "quietly retiring."This is the response they have given, and it is becoming an extremely common sentiment among young people.

■ Why are people refusing overtime now?
Following the progress of work-style reforms and the COVID-19 pandemic, people's attitudes have dramatically shifted from a "work-centered life" to "work-life balance." A growing number of people now view overtime not as "contribution to the company," but as "a cost that cuts into their own time."

[Thorough Explanation] From a Legal Perspective: Can Overtime Work Be Cancelled? The Boundary

Now, let's look at the relevant legal rules. To put it simply,"Not all overtime can be canceled at will."That is the correct answer.

1. Three conditions for an overtime order to be valid.

For a company to order an employee to work overtime, the following conditions must be met. If these conditions are not met, the overtime is legally "cancellable."

• Conclusion of the 36 Agreement: The employer and employees have agreed on rules regarding overtime hours and have submitted them to the Labor Standards Inspection Office.
• Provisions in the work rules and employment contractsThe rule that "overtime will be ordered if necessary for business purposes" is clearly stated.
• It is a lawful order.The purpose must be legitimate and not impose an undue burden on employees.

2. Cases where "cancellation is OK" (illegal overtime)

You don't need to force yourself to socialize in the following situations:

• Overtime work for the purpose of power harassmentTasks performed to appease or harass a superior (e.g., cleaning the toilets after work).
• Serious disruption to health and family lifeReasons for absence include: caregiving, childcare, or a medical condition (such as eye strain) for which a doctor's certificate is issued.
• Overtime exceeding the 36 Agreement and rulesAn order that exceeds the predetermined time limit.

3. Cases where "canceling carries risks"

Even if all the legal conditions are met, if you keep refusing to work overtime for some reason like, "I don't want to work overtime today,""Violation of business orders"It may be considered as such.

• Subject to disciplinary actionBreaking a promise (contract) with the company could lead to a lower performance evaluation, or in the worst case, disciplinary action.
• The validity of the dismissalPast rulings have deemed dismissal for refusing overtime work invalid if there was a legitimate reason (such as a doctor's diagnosis), but there are also cases where dismissal is deemed valid if the employee's work performance is deemed to be extremely poor.

Updating the way we think about work: A new dialogue between companies and individuals

When you hear the phrase "cancel overtime," you tend to imagine strained interpersonal relationships, but this is"Transparency in working styles"This is also an opportunity to improve.

Summary: The hands of the clock and peace of mind

The clock chimes signal the end of the workday, and people hurry out of the office. There was a time when it was believed that working overtime was a sign of professionalism. But now, what we have in our hands is an asset called "time," which allows us to efficiently complete tasks and enrich our own lives.

It would be premature to simply associate the term "overtime cancellation" with laziness or avoidance. It might be a desperate survival strategy for modern people, a way to protect themselves from excessive work and make the most of their limited time.

However, we cannot stop the hands of the clock. Work is a connection to society and is built on cooperation with others. While possessing a "shield" to protect one's own time, one must not forget the "sword" to work alongside others when necessary. This kind of flexible sense of balance is surely what constitutes true professionalism in order to survive in the uncertain times to come.

Instead of selling your soul to your job, you enrich your life through your work. This new way of working is being explored right now.