996 working hour system

996 working hour system is a work schedule commonly practiced in the People's Republic of China. The system requires employees to work from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, six days a week, hence the name "996". This work schedule has been both praised for its productivity and criticized for its potential to exploit workers.

History

The 996 working hour system originated in the Chinese tech industry, with companies such as Alibaba and JD.com being among the first to implement it. The system was initially adopted to keep up with the rapid pace of the tech industry and to compete with Western companies. However, it has since spread to other industries in China.

Controversy

The 996 working hour system has been the subject of controversy due to concerns about worker exploitation and health. Critics argue that the long hours can lead to burnout, stress, and other health issues. In addition, there have been questions about the legality of the system, as it appears to violate China's labor laws, which stipulate a maximum 44-hour work week.

Despite these criticisms, some business leaders, such as Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, have defended the 996 system. Ma has argued that the system is necessary for companies to succeed in the competitive tech industry and that it is a sacrifice workers should be willing to make.

Impact

The impact of the 996 working hour system is a subject of ongoing debate. Some argue that it has contributed to China's rapid economic growth and the success of its tech industry. Others, however, contend that the system is unsustainable and harmful to workers' health and well-being.

See also

• Work–life balance
• Overtime
• Labour law
• Employee rights

References

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