Qu Jing, ex-public relations head at Baidu, sparked an outcry after endorsing extreme working environments. Critics labelled her views as detached, adding that the culture of prioritising long work hours over employees’ health is unproductive and toxic. This incident has ignited debates about employees’ rights, work-life balance, and general work culture in China’s tech industry.
Jing posted a series of videos on Douyin, Chinese TikTok, displaying her strict management style. These videos provoked significant online debate, with many criticizing her harsh expectations as damaging to employee morale and leading to burnout. Others admired her dedication, viewing her work ethic as a model of success.
A particularly controversial video showed Jing admonishing an employee who declined a 50-day business trip during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Debate over ex-Baidu executive’s work standards
Despite quarantine rules and travel restrictions in place, Jing chose to criticise the employee harshly. This video spurred a wider debate on employers prioritising business interests over the health and safety of employees during the pandemic.
Jing has always advocated for a constant state of work readiness, even arguing that public relations employees should not expect weekends off and should always leave their phones on. This extreme work ethic stirred mixed reactions among her observers.
After her contentious videos went viral, Jing was fired from Baidu amidst a massive public backlash. The event prompted discussion on freedom of expression online and the known boundaries.
This matter sheds light on rising concerns among many young tech workers in China, particularly about the infamous “996” schedule, comprised of 12-hour workdays for six days a week. Critics argue that such rigorous work schedules lead to exhaustion, stress, and a lack of personal life, while businesses argue its necessity for staying competitive. The ongoing debate underscores the questionable sustainability and ethics of such demanding work methodologies.
