2024-05-10 05:00:00
Mr. Chi Jing resigned from his management position at Baidu following a social media video asserting the harsh workplace culture went viral./Courtesy Qu Jing/Douyin
2024.05.10 Fri published at 2:00 p.m. JST
Hong Kong (CNN) Chijin, vice president and head of public relations at Chinese Internet search giant Baidu, has resigned. Chinese state media reported on the 9th, citing Baidu insiders.
Chi-jin had sparked controversy a few days ago when he made comments asserting the harsh workplace culture.
In a series of short videos posted on the social networking site Douyin, he talks regarding his passion for his work, his demanding management style and the constant demands he places on his direct reports, highlighting the grueling work schedules and the incessant pressure. a nerve in tired young workers.
In a video, he reprimanded employees who refused to travel for 50 days during the coronavirus pandemic, when China imposed strict travel restrictions and quarantines. “Why should I be considerate of my colleagues’ families? I am not your mother-in-law. Even though I am 10 to 20 years older than you and have two children, I have no difficulty to travel on business. I have never been tired. How dare my husband tell me that he can’t stand being separated from me?
In another video, she shared her personal sacrifices as a working mother. She said she worked so hard that she forgot her eldest son’s birthday and her second son’s grade, but she has no regrets because she “chose to have a career.”
“If you’re going to work in public relations, don’t think regarding taking weekends off,” he said in another video. “Keep your cell phone on 24 hours a day and be available at all times.”
He apologized later in the day and said his posts did not represent Baidu’s views, but his fiery comments had already sparked a backlash in China. Young Chinese people have long complained of a culture of overwork and a highly competitive work environment, particularly in the IT sector.
The video posted to his personal account was deleted as public outrage grew.
Chijin joined the public relations industry following working as a journalist for China’s official Xinhua News Agency. He joined Baidu in 2021 from Huawei, a major Chinese telecommunications company. Huawei is known for its proactive corporate culture, and its employees are expected to emulate the aggression, boldness and resilience of a wolf.
According to former Baidu employees, he brought Huawei’s aggressive corporate culture to Baidu. He caused a huge culture shock, with around 60% of the team leaving within months of his arrival.
1715339753
#Baidu #resigns #claiming #tough #work #culture #China #CNN.co.jp
