Baidu executive quits after reviving toxic work culture debate


The Baidu executive’s comments reverberated across social media in China, where a debate has raged about the demands that a then-aggressive tech industry placed on its often young workforce. — Bloomberg

Baidu Inc’s media relations chief has resigned after posting a string of videos endorsing 24-7 work and making light of staff wellbeing, reigniting a furor over the tech industry’s relentless “996” culture.

Qu Jing stepped down on May 9, according to people familiar with the matter, after posting at least four videos in which she talked about keeping her phone on 24-7 and warned subordinates to toe the line. “I’m not your mother-in-law,” she said in one of the clips she posted to Douyin, China’s version of TikTok.

The executive’s comments reverberated across social media in China, where a debate has raged about the demands that a then-aggressive tech industry placed on its often young workforce. Dubbed “996” because of the tendency to demand employees work 9am to 9pm six days a week, the practice came under scrutiny after the unexplained deaths of several tech employees made headlines.

Beijing warned companies off excessive work during a broader crackdown on the powerful sector that began in 2020, though the practice has endured – particularly as jobs dried up in an economic downturn. Qu later apologised, saying those were her personal views and not Baidu’s.

A Baidu spokesperson didn’t respond to text messages seeking comment.

While Qu drew a plethora of outraged responses, some commentators on social media said she was merely speaking the plain truth about an industry that’s now struggling to grow. The executive had deleted her videos as of May 10 and her page merely carried her apology. – Bloomberg

   

Next In Tech News

Trump pick Lutnick's firm in talks with Tether for $2 billion bitcoin lending project, Bloomberg reports
Growing social media app vows to shake up ‘toxic’ status quo
US plans to reduce Intel's $8.5 billion federal chips grant below $8 billion - New York Times
Opinion: Ultimate Fakebook
Innovative AI solution by Malaysian teens aids stroke rehabilitation
Students innovate to combat waste, dementia and allergies
Former BP boss Looney to chair US data company Prometheus Hyperscale
Indian regulator rejects Apple request to put antitrust report on hold
Share too much info on social media and risk being hacked, warns MCMC
What is Bluesky and why are people leaving X to sign up?

Others Also Read