Qu’s departure from Baidu came after her comments on glorifying a culture of overwork sparked public outcry. In a series of videos, she implied that she only cared about results and was not concerned about her employees as she was “not their mom.” The backlash on social media was immediate, with many criticizing Qu for lacking empathy. Chinese online media outlet 36Kr first reported her departure, citing unnamed sources and internal systems that showed she was no longer with the company.
Qu later posted an apology on her private WeChat account, where she expressed remorse and clarified that her views did not represent Baidu’s stance. She acknowledged the criticisms and committed to improving her communication and management style, pledging to care more for her colleagues. Her comments came at a time when many young people in China are pushing back against a culture of competition and grueling work hours, particularly in the technology industry. Qu had also faced criticism for threatening to ruin the careers of employees who complained about her and for pressuring employees to go on business trips during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chinese technology firms have long been criticized for their long working hours, with the “996” work culture drawing significant public attention in recent years. The practice, which requires employees to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, has been seen as detrimental to employees’ well-being and work-life balance. Recent incidents, such as the deaths of two employees of Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, have shed light on the harmful effects of overwork. Other industry leaders, like Jack Ma of Alibaba, have also faced criticism for endorsing long work hours, perpetuating a culture that prioritizes work over employee well-being.
The public debate over overwork culture in Chinese tech companies has intensified in recent years, with more employees speaking out against demands for excessive work hours. Qu’s departure from Baidu adds to the growing scrutiny of companies that prioritize productivity at the expense of employee welfare. As the tech industry continues to face pressure to improve working conditions, it remains to be seen how companies will adapt their policies to promote a healthier work environment. Qu’s departure serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a culture of empathy and respect in the workplace.
