A top public relations executive from Chinese technology firm Baidu issued an apology after facing backlash for comments made in a series of videos that were perceived to glorify a culture of overwork. The executive, in the videos, appeared to prioritize results over the well-being of employees, sparking criticism on social media platforms.
The executive's remarks led to a swift public outcry in China, with many expressing concerns over her lack of empathy towards employees. Following the criticism, the executive posted an apology on her private WeChat account, expressing regret for the impact of her statements and acknowledging the misunderstandings they caused.
In her apology, the executive clarified that her views in the videos did not reflect the official stance of Baidu, a company known for operating China's leading search engine and an artificial intelligence service similar to ChatGPT. She also pledged to improve her communication and management style, emphasizing a commitment to caring more for her colleagues.
While Baidu did not immediately comment on the situation, reports from a Chinese online media outlet suggested that the executive had left her position at the company. The videos, which have since been removed, emerged amidst a broader societal conversation in China about work culture and the well-being of employees.
The incident comes at a time when many young professionals in China are challenging the prevailing culture of intense competition and long working hours. The executive faced criticism for various remarks made in the videos, including references to punitive actions against employees and insensitivity towards personal circumstances, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chinese technology firms have been under scrutiny for fostering environments of extended working hours. The issue of overwork in the tech industry gained attention in recent years, with debates around practices like the '996' work culture, where employees were expected to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
The controversy surrounding the executive's comments adds to the ongoing discourse on work-life balance and employee well-being in Chinese tech companies. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering supportive and empathetic workplace cultures in the modern professional landscape.
