Chinese Companies Abandon ‘996’, Employees Sent Home Early
- Jakarta - A growing number of companies in China are moving away from the demanding '996' work system, which has been glorified by tech giants like Alibaba in...
- Midea, a manufacturer of household electronic devices, is among the companies adjusting its work culture.
- Midea's social media account on Weibo featured photos of employees enjoying a band performance, accompanied by the caption, "What do you do after work?
China’s Tech Companies Shift Away From Grueling ‘996’ Work Culture
Table of Contents
- China’s Tech Companies Shift Away From Grueling ‘996’ Work Culture
- ChinaS Tech Companies Shift Away From ‘996’ Work Culture: A Q&A
- What does the ‘996’ work culture in China entail?
- Which companies are moving away from the ’996′ work system?
- How is Midea changing its work culture?
- What changes have Haier and DJI implemented?
- What is the ‘007’ work culture in China?
- what are the drivers behind this change in work culture?
- Is this shift in work culture sustainable?
- Why was the ‘996’ work system so prevalent in China’s tech industry?
- What are the potential benefits for employees?
- What are the potential drawbacks of this shift?
- How does this shift compare with work culture trends in other parts of the world?
- Can you summarize the key changes in work culture for several companies mentioned in this article using a table?
Jakarta – A growing number of companies in China are moving away from the demanding ‘996’ work system, which has been glorified by tech giants like Alibaba in recent years, opting instead for more employee-amiable schedules.
Midea Leads the Way wiht Earlier Office Departures
Midea, a manufacturer of household electronic devices, is among the companies adjusting its work culture. Employees, who were previously working until midnight, are now asked to leave the office by 6:20 p.m.
Midea’s social media account on Weibo featured photos of employees enjoying a band performance, accompanied by the caption, “What do you do after work? The real life begins after work.”
Other Companies Follow Suit, Though Less Dramatically
While not as drastic as Midea’s changes, other companies are also adjusting work schedules.Haier, another household appliance manufacturer, introduced a five-day work week, a move celebrated by employees on social media.
Employees at DJI, a major drone producer, also expressed satisfaction after the company mandated that employees leave the office before 9 p.m.
“No need to worry about missing the last train, no need to worry about waking his wife when you arrive at home,”
– a DJI employee wrote on social media, according to Reuters on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
‘996’ System Faces Scrutiny
This shift marks a contrast to the ‘996’ work system, characterized by working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. The practice was embraced by many large chinese technology companies over the past 15 years and once lauded by Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
the ‘996’ system was deemed illegal by Chinese courts in 2021, yet many employees in the technology and finance sectors continue to work extended hours. In recent years, the term ‘007’ has emerged, referring to working around the clock, every day.
Factors Driving the Change
Analysts suggest that changes in European union labor law, rather than increasing social pressure within China, are driving the shift in work schedules. The Chinese government has also urged companies to adhere to a 44-hour work week limit.
Concerns About Sustainability
Despite the positive reception from many employees, some remain uncertain about the long-term viability of these changes. One anonymous employee reported being available 24/7 and even being asked to attend meetings while on vacation.
“I am not sure the change can be maintained,”
– the employee said.
ChinaS Tech Companies Shift Away From ‘996’ Work Culture: A Q&A
What does the ‘996’ work culture in China entail?
The ‘996’ work system in China, as described in the provided article, means working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,six days a week. This demanding schedule has been prevalent, particularly in the tech industry.
Which companies are moving away from the ’996′ work system?
Several companies in China are beginning to shift away from the ’996′ system. Midea,a manufacturer of household electronic devices,is leading the way by implementing earlier office departure times. other companies mentioned include Haier and DJI, which are also modifying their work schedules to be more employee-friendly.
How is Midea changing its work culture?
Midea has adjusted its work culture by requiring employees to leave the office by 6:20 p.m. This is a significant change, as employees previously worked until midnight. The company’s social media campaign, including photos of employees enjoying after-work activities, highlights this shift.
What changes have Haier and DJI implemented?
Haier has introduced a five-day work week, a move celebrated by its employees. DJI has mandated that its employees leave the office before 9 p.m.,which,according to Reuters,has led to positive feedback from their employees.
What is the ‘007’ work culture in China?
The article mentions the emergence of the term ”007,” which refers to working around the clock, every day of the week. This represents an even more extreme work schedule than the ‘996’ system.
what are the drivers behind this change in work culture?
Analysts suggest that changes in European Union labor law are a significant factor driving the shift toward more reasonable work schedules. Additionally, the Chinese government has urged companies to adhere to a 44-hour work week limit, possibly influencing this trend.
Is this shift in work culture sustainable?
While the changes are generally welcomed by employees, the sustainability of these shifts remains a concern. Some employees have expressed uncertainty, citing instances of being expected to be available 24/7 or attend meetings while on vacation, despite the new policies.
Why was the ‘996’ work system so prevalent in China’s tech industry?
Historically, the ‘996’ system was embraced by manny large Chinese technology companies over the past 15 years, and it was even lauded by figures like Alibaba’s founder, Jack Ma.the exact reasons aren’t specified in this particular article, but the context suggests it may have been linked to rapid growth and a focus on intense productivity.
What are the potential benefits for employees?
The article suggests that employees could experience better work-life balance as an inevitable result of the change. The DJI employee quoted in the article noted there was no longer a need to worry about missing the last train or waking up their spouse late at night. Companies promoting after-work activities also suggest an improved quality of life.
What are the potential drawbacks of this shift?
As the article notes, one drawback is the worry of sustained availability.While working hours are being officially shortened, the expectation of availability and the need to attend meetings even while on vacation may counteract some positive effects. Also, the article only discusses the “downside,” without the positive aspects of the change.
How does this shift compare with work culture trends in other parts of the world?
The trend towards shorter work hours and a better work-life balance is a global one, which the shift away from ‘996’ aligns with. more and more companies are starting a five-day work week which emphasizes employee well-being and work-life harmony.
Can you summarize the key changes in work culture for several companies mentioned in this article using a table?
Certainly! Here’s a summary in the form of a table.
| Company | Former work Schedule | Revised Work Schedule | Noteworthy Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midea | Working until midnight | Leaving the office by 6:20 p.m. | Emphasis on after-work activities. |
| Haier | Not specified | Five-day work week | Festivity on social media by employees. |
| DJI | Not specified | Leaving the office before 9 p.m. | Employees showed satisfaction regarding their commute and waking their spouses. |