China’s work ethic stretches beyond ‘996’ as tech companies feel the impact of slowdown
- The number of venture capital deals in China fell 25 per cent year on year to 713 in the fourth quarter of last year
For Keith Ding, who works for a big Chinese tech company, the country’s infamous “996” work culture – where employees are expected to be in the office from 9am to 9pm, six days a week – is not going away any time soon.
“Staying [at work] till 10pm is the new norm. It has become the busiest hour to call for a taxi because so many others are trying to hail a ride at same time,” says the 30-year-old Shenzhen-based project manager. “Voluntary overtime on weekends is also now common as most [of us] choose to work at least one day from home.”
Clocking up long hours has long been an unwritten rule in China – a way to demonstrate work ethic and prove your job dedication.
“The bosses in the company work even longer than 996 hours. How am I supposed to leave if my team leader is still there?” Ding says. “Besides, we are always overloaded with multiple tasks that I can never finish unless I work overtime or on weekends.”
The hiring freeze and lay-offs now spreading through China’s tech industry might make the situation even worse, he believes. “It is tacit belief across the company that people need work even harder just to keep their jobs.”