Alibaba's Jack Ma Stirs Controversy with 12-Hour Workday Demand
Facebook-Equivalent Weibo Erupts in Protest
#996 Hashtag Reflects Backlash Against Alibaba's Culture
In a recent speech, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, has sparked controversy by advocating for a 12-hour workday.
The comments, disseminated via Alibaba's WeChat account, ignited a backlash on Weibo, China's equivalent of Facebook. Users took to the platform to voice their opposition, using the hashtag #996 to criticize the demanding work culture prevalent at Alibaba.
Ma's remarks also attracted attention from the media, with outlets such as Grupo Milenio reporting on the public outcry. The Chinese entrepreneur emphasized the importance of hard work, arguing that "working 12 hours a day is a blessing" and that those aspiring to join Alibaba must be prepared to embrace this demanding schedule.
The backlash against Ma's comments highlights growing concerns over the impact of extreme work hours on employee well-being. Critics argue that such demanding schedules can lead to burnout, stress-related illnesses, and reduced productivity.
Despite the controversy, Alibaba has maintained its hard-driving culture. The company has a reputation for long working hours, with employees often expected to work 12-hour shifts six days a week. This culture has been a key factor in Alibaba's success, pushing it to become one of the world's largest e-commerce companies.
However, the #996 hashtag has brought increased scrutiny to the issue of work-life balance in China. The debate is likely to continue as companies grapple with the need to balance productivity with employee well-being.
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