Chinese tech tycoon Zhou Hongyi joins ‘996’ debate, says happy work-life balance impossible
- But Qihoo 360 boss says companies can help people feel better about working long hours by making them shareholders
- Zhou joins Jack Ma in commenting on debate started by tech workers who say they are forced to work 9am to 9pm, six days a week
Another Chinese tycoon has added his voice to the debate on long working hours in the nation’s technology sector, challenging anyone to say they have a good work-life balance.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday about the controversial “996” schedule adopted by the industry – which involves people working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week – Zhou Hongyi, the chairman and chief executive of internet security firm Qihoo 360, said striking the right balance was an impossible task.
“I’ll call you my big uncle if any of you seated here can say you truly balance family and work,” the 49-year-old said.
Referring to someone as “big uncle” – or da ye in Chinese – is a mark of great respect.
Earlier in the week, Zhou, whose has a net worth of US$5.6 billion according to the latest Forbes rich list, suggested that the way for hi-tech companies to make their employees feel better about working long hours was to make them shareholders.
“Make them feel like they are working for themselves,” he was quoted as saying on the website of Hong Kong’s Phoenix TV. “Then they won’t mind about the 996 schedule.”