The Rise and Fall of China’s 996 Work Culture
You enter work at 9 AM and leave at 9 PM. Six days a week, totaling 72 hours per week. It may seem extreme, but this is known as Day 996, a prevalent work culture that has permeated many Chinese tech companies. However, the Chinese government has taken action against this exhausting norm, recognizing that such relentless work hours are detrimental not only to workers but also to national productivity.
Culture of 996
A few years ago, working 12-hour days was standard in the Chinese tech industry. Richard Liu, founder of JD.com, lauded this work ethic as a “blessing.” Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, controversially stated, “If you don’t work from nine in the morning until nine at night when you are young, when are you going to do it?” This perspective summed up a widespread belief that extreme dedication to work was a ticket to success.
The term 996 emerged in 2019 during a significant backlash against this working model, which many criticized as exploitative. Workers dubbed the protest 996-Icu, a clever play on words suggesting that such excessive hours would lead employees to an intensive care unit. This movement sparked significant debate nationwide and is often credited with prompting governmental action against the practice.
The Change. In 2021, as criticism of the grueling workdays mounted, many companies began to shift their policies. Some, like Tencent, reduced their working hours from 10 to 6 PM, effectively turning 996 into 1065. This change was vital for improving employee morale and well-being. But what prompted this transition?
Fed-Up Workers. The 996 culture has fueled the growth of the Chinese tech sector, but its downfall arose from various factors. The most notable was employee burnout; there were even reports of deaths linked to extreme working conditions. The government responded, declaring that “workers are entitled to rest and vacation.” Ironically, this came from a regime known for its anti-union stances and imprisonment of activists.
National Consumption. The extensive hours were a hindrance to the government’s growth objectives. In 2021, Xi Jinping introduced the “Common Prosperity” initiative meant to foster economic growth both domestically and internationally. However, achieving increased domestic consumption was incompatible with 12-hour workdays. Tech employees typically earned more than those in other sectors, but if they spent their waking hours at work, they couldn’t contribute to the economy effectively.
Birth Rates. China faces significant birth rate challenges stemming from a historical policy of promoting a single child per family. Now, however, the opposite is true. The 996 schedule exacerbates this dilemma. Many companies endorse a “ rise or perish ” mentality, where workers fear being replaced if they don’t climb the corporate ladder before starting families. Consequently, the punishing schedules delay parenthood, with many opting out altogether.
All Happy? Ending the 996 culture benefits employees but also aligns with broader economic goals. With a more flexible labor market, broader demographics are encouraged to participate in the workforce. However, the end of 996 doesn’t necessarily mean liberation for all workers. For instance, when Bytedance announced that its employees would no longer work weekends, they paired the change with a 20% salary cut. Many workers still find themselves tethered to demanding schedules, as highlighted by a Baidu executive who lamented being required to remain available 24/7. The 996 culture remains entrenched in major cities, motivating some young people to seek quieter life in smaller towns.
Image credit: Amparo Babyloni, Xataka
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