Proliferation of work chat groups like too many cooks

Editor's note: The Hefeng county government, Hubei province, has instructed all of its departments to reduce the number of their work-related discussion groups on social media. According to the new rule, departments can only have three work-related discussion groups at most, one for the department's leadership, one for the department's daily routine work and one for local poverty alleviation projects. More than 400 discussion groups used by civil servants in the county have been closed since the rule took effect this year. China Daily reporter Li Yang comments:

The reform initiated by the Hefeng government is probably the first of its kind among governments of various levels. It may seem trivial, but for the grassroots civil servants-who are in most cases the executors of most government policies, strategies and plans-it represents a big and positive change to their work and daily life.

On the one hand, the advancement of information technology has made the communication among community-level and township civil servants more convenient. On the other hand, too many work-related discussion groups have been established even in small departments, often for each specific task, which has undoubtedly become a headache for many civil servants.

An old saying about grassroots officials' work advises "far from the boss, far from concerns". But the internet has made it impossible for grassroots officials to keep their distance. It is easy for the task coordinators or team leaders to monitor the progress of the work they are in charge of. But the coexistence of dozens of such work discussion groups on a smartphone, which all call for attention at the same time, awaiting answers and reports, is a nuisance, not a convenience. Worse, some work discussion groups mean the members are on call around the clock even on weekends, as the members of the groups have to be alert and responsive at all times. A late reply may incur criticism.

The civil servants in the community and at the village level, who are mostly multitasking, are crucial to translating the higher authorities' vision to action. Working under heavy pressure on tight schedules to complete various kinds of chores and urgent tasks, their life quality and health conditions deserve more attention and care. Death caused by overwork is not uncommon to those working in places where both natural and work environments are tough.

Thus it is good that the Hefeng government has taken the lead in cutting the number of work discussion groups. The move should get the attention of the higher authorities, who should promote the reform being rolled out nationwide.