What’s new: Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.’s (CATL) (300750.SZ) corporate campaign to boost employee productivity has led to some working grueling hours, reigniting criticism over extreme work culture.
The world’s largest battery-maker has launched a “Strive for 100 Days” campaign, a company source told Caixin, leading to some employees at departments including research and development working from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, in a schedule he referred to as “896,” the source said.
“896” is a variation on “996” work culture, in which employees are expected to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
Management has not issued an official document requiring the 896 schedule, but some department heads have mandated their subordinates work overtime, the source added.
The background: CATL’s push to boost its productivity comes as it is accelerating expansion overseas after dominating its home market. In the first four months of this year, the Fujian province-based firm took LG Energy Solution Ltd.’s crown as the biggest supplier of EV batteries in markets outside China.
In February, CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun encouraged staff to do their best to help the company execute its global expansion strategy, calling workers who are willing to be stationed overseas “heroes,” Caixin has learned.
Contact reporter Ding Yi (yiding@caixin.com) and editors Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com) and Kelsey Cheng (kelseycheng@caixin.com)
