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Baidu Executive Faces Backlash Over Work Culture Comments
A recent controversy has emerged involving Qu Jing, a former top executive at Baidu, the China-based tech giant. The executive came under fire after posting videos on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, delivering harsh messages to staff members. In the videos, Qu emphasized the need for intense dedication to the company and issued warnings about the consequences of not meeting expectations.
The posts quickly sparked outrage on social media platforms, with many criticizing Qu for promoting an intense work culture that is prevalent among Chinese tech firms. Following the public backlash, reports from reputable sources, including the Associated Press and Chinese news site 36Kr, confirmed that Qu is no longer employed at Baidu.
Apology and Reflection
In response to the criticism, Qu removed the controversial videos and issued a public statement expressing remorse for her actions. She acknowledged the validity of the criticisms leveled against her and pledged to reflect on her behavior. Qu recognized the negative impact her statements had on the company’s reputation and apologized for any misunderstandings they may have caused.
Qu’s apology, as reported by the Financial Times, conveyed a sense of humility and a willingness to learn from the incident. She expressed regret over the inappropriate nature of her comments and the harm they inflicted on the perception of the company’s values and corporate culture.
Work Culture in the Tech Industry
The incident involving Qu Jing sheds light on the prevalent work culture in China’s tech sector, where long working hours are often viewed as a norm. This culture, commonly known as “996,” entails working from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. While some industry leaders like Jack Ma have previously praised this work ethic, criticism from younger generations and increased awareness of work-life balance issues have prompted companies to reevaluate their practices.
ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, made headlines in 2021 for revising its work hour policies in response to employee feedback. The decision to eliminate the ‘big week/small week’ system, which required alternating between five-day and six-day workweeks, signaled a shift towards prioritizing employee well-being over strict work schedules.
In conclusion, the incident involving Qu Jing serves as a reminder of the evolving attitudes towards work culture and the importance of balancing professional demands with personal well-being in the tech industry.
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