Microsoft workers join China’s debate over grueling workweek
SAN FRANCISCO — Tech workers in China protesting a corporate culture of grueling work schedules are getting some support from their U.S. peers.
Microsoft and GitHub Workers Support #996icu https://t.co/9b9IzZWh3U
— Sivan (@SivanSun) April 23, 2019
A fast-growing campaign started by Chinese software developers on the code-sharing platform GitHub has contributed to a public debate over work-life balance in China’s tech industry.
READ: Jack Ma’s remarks spark debate over China working hours
It’s known as 996.ICU, referring to expectations that young people work 12-hour days, six days a week if they want financial success — and the idea that following such an illegal workweek can land them in an intensive care unit.
Is Jack Ma's 996 rule (work 9 hours a day 6 days a week) the answer to our productivity problems? No it's not. It's bad for creativity and wellbeing and begs the question about why these hours feel necessary. https://t.co/FMg4yZ5sbu #996icu
— Josh Bersin (@Josh_Bersin) April 21, 2019
Tech workers in China are protesting against working 9am-9pm, 6 days/week (aka 996) on @github – making it difficult for authorities to censor the protest, because it is happening on a site too useful to block it… #996icuhttps://t.co/Rr6lL2uDwy
— ChinaBriefs (@ChinaBriefs) April 15, 2019
A group of tech workers at Microsoft, which owns GitHub, distributed an open letter Monday that urges the company to protect the widely shared GitHub page from censorship.
It follows reports that some Chinese domestic web browsers have restricted access to the page.
