Let's replace work-life balance with work-rest rhythm
Work-life balance. It's the phrase that won't go away. We've tried to make it more palatable – calling it 'work-life harmony' or 'work-life integration'. But the framing remains unchanged: work on one side, life on the other, and the self somewhere in the tug of war.
Work-life balance is now the top priority for job seekers in Singapore across Gen Z, millennials and Gen X, according to the latest Randstad Workmonitor Survey 2025. It's a timely and telling signal: People of all ages are exhausted, and they want their lives back.
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Business Times
7 hours ago
- Business Times
Starbucks opens free study rooms in China to lure back customers
[BEIJING] Starbucks has launched free 'study rooms' in some of its China outlets, the company's latest initiative to help boost consumer traffic as domestic competition surges in its second-biggest market. The study areas have been launched in some stores in southern Guangdong Province, home to millions of young workers at the country's export, manufacturing and technology hubs, Starbucks China said this week. The rooms are Starbucks's latest initiative in China this year as it tries to revive sales growth amid stiff competition from cheaper local rivals such as Luckin Coffee, which regularly rolls out new products and flavours, and the soaring popularity of Chinese tea chains. The Seattle-based coffee giant also wants to reassert itself as a welcoming 'third place' for leisure outside the home. There's no time limit or reservation needed to use the spaces and people are not required to purchase anything from Starbucks. Book-donation spaces have also been set up for customers, an initiative expected to boost foot traffic and ultimately revenue when users indulge in drinks and food while chilling there. Some of Starbucks's new moves in China take an opposite approach to policies in the US, where starting earlier this year, people must buy items to use its cafes, patios and restrooms as the company prioritises paying American customers. Starbucks China has also expanded its drinks menu in the mainland to include more sugar-free options and teas catering to local tastes, slashed prices on a slew of beverages and upped its options for customising orders. That's in contrast to recent moves at home, where it's simplified its menu to boost operational efficiency. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up 'Starbucks is looking for ways to create fun entry drink experiences for Gen Z consumers,' said Jessica Gleeson, a former Starbucks China executive who now runs a Shanghai-based retail consultancy firm, 'in-store activities both bring new customers to the cafes and create a relationship between Starbucks and the community. It is a simple, but effective tactic'. A first-ever China chief growth officer was appointed in late 2024, and a new management team is in place led by Molly Liu, who became the China business's sole leader last September. Starbucks has more than 7,700 China locations, and new stores are opening in heritage or scenic locations to draw people in, including a recent unveiling on Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan Province, popular with tourists lured by its natural beauty. As part of its work to solidify a concept of community, Starbucks is also displaying student art in some Chinese university branches, and making other outlets pet-friendly. The chain plans to try putting spaces for 'hobbies' into some stores, it said in its statement this week, without elaborating. Social media marketing has stepped up in recent months, and there have been new merchandise collaborations with Walt Disney's animated film Zootopia and Taiwanese rock group Mayday, whose lyrics Starbucks China printed on its cups. BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Straits Times
Starbucks opens free study rooms in China to lure back customers
The coffee giant wants to reassert itself as a welcoming 'third place' for leisure outside the home. Starbucks has launched free 'study rooms' in some of its China outlets, the company's latest initiative to help boost consumer traffic as domestic competition surges in its second-biggest market. The study areas have been launched in some stores in southern Guangdong Province, home to millions of young workers at the country's export, manufacturing and technology hubs, Starbucks China said in a statement on its official Weibo account this week. The rooms are Starbucks's latest initiative in China in 2025 as it tries to revive sales growth amid stiff competition from cheaper local rivals like Luckin Coffee - which regularly rolls out new products and flavours - and the soaring popularity of Chinese tea chains. The Seattle-based coffee giant also wants to reassert itself as a welcoming 'third place' for leisure outside the home. There is no time-limit or reservation needed to use the spaces and people are not required to purchase anything from Starbucks. Book-donation spaces have also been set up for customers - an initiative expected to boost foot traffic and ultimately revenue when users indulge in drinks and food while chilling there. Some of Starbucks's new moves in China take an opposite approach to policies in the US, where starting earlier in 2025 people must buy items to use its cafes, patios and restrooms as the company prioritises paying American customers. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore's domestic recycling rate drops to all time low of 11% Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign by August, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Asia New Pokemon theme park to open in Japan in early 2026 Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Starbucks China has also expanded its drinks menu in the mainland to include more sugar-free options and teas catering to local tastes, slashed prices on a slew of beverages and upped its options for customising orders. That is in contrast to recent moves at home, where it has simplified its menu to boost operational efficiency. 'Starbucks is looking for ways to create fun entry drink experiences for Gen Z consumers,' said Ms Jessica Gleeson, a former Starbucks China executive who now runs a Shanghai-based retail consultancy firm, 'in-store activities both bring new customers to the cafes and create a relationship between Starbucks and the community. It is a simple, but effective tactic'. A first-ever China chief growth officer was appointed in late 2024, and a new management team is in place led by Ms Molly Liu, who became the China business's sole leader in September 2024. Starbucks has more than 7,700 China locations, and new stores are opening in heritage or scenic locations to draw people in - including a recent unveiling on Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan Province, popular with tourists lured by its natural beauty. As part of its work to solidify a concept of community, Starbucks is also displaying student art in some Chinese university branches, and making other outlets pet-friendly. The chain plans to try putting spaces for 'hobbies' into some stores, it said in its statement this week, without elaborating. Social media marketing has stepped up in recent months, and there have been new merchandise collaborations with Walt Disney's animated film Zootopia and Taiwanese rock group Mayday, whose lyrics Starbucks China printed on its cups. BLOOMBERG
Vogue Singapore
8 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Could the five-toed Vibram sneakers be the next It shoe?
Since last year, a trend that has been sparked by fashion icons such as Iris Law, Dua Lipa, and Emily Ratajkowski has become a big hit: ballet sneakers, which combine the lightness of ballet shoes with the comfort of sneakers. These evolved shoes, which combine pretty and practical with low-cut designs, satin materials, and straps, are attracting the attention of Gen Z in particular. Emily Ratajkowski Getty Iris Law Getty Emma Chamberlain Getty Now, fashionistas are turning their attention to more niche and unique footwear. Following tabi-style sneakers and Maison Margiela's tabi ballet, five-toed sneakers, a favourite of Julia Hobbs of British Vogue , are now becoming the new hot item. Beyond 'active'—Vibram sneakers has stepped into the realm of fashion The most well-known five-toed sneaker is Vibram's Five Fingers. They are known for combining the freedom of barefoot with a strong grip and supporting the natural movement of the foot, making them ideal for active situations. Balenciaga fall/winter 2020 collection. iMAXtree Balenciaga's winter collection for 2020 was one of the first brands to incorporate the Vibram sole into fashion. By fusing functional elements with high fashion, the brand reinterpreted the five-toed sneaker in a futuristic way, emanating a new presence. Jennie in Vibram. Getty Now, when Blackpink's Jennie was spotted wearing these five-toed sneakers at Incheon Airport, they instantly became the center of attention as the next shoe trend. The sneakers's lightness allows you to relax even on an airplane, and as unique as they are—it's bound to be a show-stopper at the airport. The reason Jennie chose them may not be only because of their futuristic design, but also because they are practical for comfort—whether on the plane or in the city. The day when five-toed sneakers become the next 'It shoe' may not be far off. This story was originally published on Vogue Japan.
