Qu Jing, former vice president and head of communications at Baidu, faced significant public backlash after endorsing an unbalanced work culture which resulted in her dismissal from the company.
On Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, Jing blamed a member of her staff for not committing to a 50-day business trip during the Covid-19 pandemic and disregarded the impact of work on her colleagues’ personal lives. These callous remarks sparked an immediate backlash on social media platforms with netizens advocating for healthier working conditions and respect for personal boundaries.
Jing’s employees also voiced their discontent feeling undervalued and pressured to prioritize work over their personal well-being, an issue made more significant in light of the ongoing global pandemic which has led to a call for a more balanced work-life approach and mental health considerations.
Jing, a working mother herself, caused further controversy by stating that her job was her primary commitment, even at the expense of her family. She also warned her staff about potential professional consequences for voicing objections about her.
Although Jing was fired from Baidu, no official statement regarding the situation has been released from the company, leading to much speculation and further public critique of the incident.
The situation stirred widespread discussion on platforms like Douyin and Weibo, often labelled China’s Twitter equivalent. Many users castigated Jing’s aggressive management style and held both Jing and Baidu responsible for fostering an unhealthy work environment.
Jing’s dismissal sparks work-life balance discussions
This online uproar marked growing concerns over work-life balance in China’s burgeoning tech sector.
Tech analyst Ivy Yang noted that even though Jing’s comments lacked empathy, they did highlight the challenges faced by many employees in the industry. Increasing numbers of young Chinese workers are challenging the ‘996’ work culture – a gruelling schedule from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, seen as detrimental to health and quality of life.
Companies are now pressed to ensure healthier work-life balances and proper welfare for their staff. Yang suggested that the reactions to Jing’s remarks have led to significant debates about workers’ rights in China. She reminded that despite technological advances, the human essence of the workforce should not be undervalued or overlooked.
Yang concluded that a cultural transformation is necessary in the tech industry, without which likely will see a greater loss. This scenario depicts the pressing need for companies to address work-life balance issues and employee welfare in an era defined by rapid technological progression.
