Chinese Tech Executive Qu Jing’s Controversial Video Prompts Debate on Work Culture

Qu Jing, who was responsible for protecting the image of Chinese technology giant Baidu, faced a storm of outrage after posting videos on social media defending a demanding and results-oriented work culture. In the videos, she emphasized that employees who are not committed should not belong in the industry and that she expects employees to go on business trips with her for extended periods without concern for their personal lives. She made it clear that she prioritizes results over everything else and does not care about employees’ well-being.

Qu stated that anyone working in public relations should be available 24/7 and not take too many holidays. She threatened that those who criticize her management style will never find a job in the industry again. The videos, posted during the Chinese holidays in May, aimed to promote the company on social media and gained her a considerable following initially. However, they reignited criticism of the work culture in Chinese tech companies, often referred to as the “996” culture, where employees work long hours six days a week. This culture has faced backlash following the deaths of several employees in the tech industry. Pressure has increased on tech companies to improve work conditions for their employees. The Chinese government has also taken steps to regulate overtime hours and protect employees’ rights.

Qu’s videos provoked intense emotional responses, with many resonating with the sentiment she expressed. Analysts noted that her lack of empathy for her colleagues’ welfare was concerning. After facing severe criticism and negative impact on Baidu’s image, Qu was forced to delete the videos and issue an apology on WeChat. She acknowledged the valid criticisms and expressed regret for her statements. Despite her attempts to mitigate the damage, reports indicate that Qu has decided to leave Baidu.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding work culture in Chinese tech companies and the need for improved workplace conditions for employees. The “996” culture has been criticized for its negative impact on employee health and well-being, as well as its potential to lead to burnout and attrition among top talent in the industry. The pressure from regulators and society at large is likely to continue driving change in this area, with companies taking steps to create more balanced work environments that prioritize both results and employee well-being