The 9-9-6 work culture—refers to working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—has significantly impacted the lives of employees within China’s technology sector, raising serious concerns about work-life balance. This practice is driven by a multitude of social, cultural, and economic factors that are perceived to contribute to the global competitiveness of China’s tech industry. While the 9-9-6 model appears to support rapid advancement within the sector, it presents numerous challenges for both employers and employees, particularly regarding legal compliance, productivity, employee well-being, and overall work-life balance. Therefore, it is imperative for employers and the Chinese government to implement appropriate measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of this intrusive work culture and promote sustainable organisational growth which factors in employee well-being.
Understanding China’s 9-9-6 Work Culture
The 9-9-6 work culture has been prevalent in China, primarily within the technology sector. It establishes a schedule wherein employees are expected to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. However, according to Chinese labour laws, the standard working hours are limited to approximately eight hours per day, with a maximum of 44 hours per week. Employees who exceed this legal threshold are entitled to receive additional overtime compensation. Despite facing widespread criticism, the 9-9-6 work model has been publicly endorsed by prominent tech industry leaders, including Mr. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, and Mr. Richard Liu, Chief Executive Officer of JD.com.
Responsible Factors
Cultural Factors
- Confucian Values: Chinese work culture is deeply influenced by Confucian principles, which emphasise hard work, obedience, and respect for hierarchy as essential components of long-term business success and development. These values are widely regarded as key contributors to the emergence and dominance of the 9-9-6 work culture in China.
- Social Recognition: The societal pressure to gain recognition and approval, both professionally and socially, is another significant factor compelling employees to engage in extended working hours.
Economic Factors
- Rapid Economic Growth: China’s rapid economic development has created an intensely competitive business environment, pushing companies to continuously innovate, implement new strategies, and carry out swift expansion. This fast-paced growth has led to increased expectations for employees to work long hours.
- Job Market Competition: Individuals, particularly in the technology sector, often work prolonged hours to enhance their skills and portfolios, aiming to secure a competitive advantage in an increasingly challenging job market.
- Global Competition: The drive for international competitiveness and expansion, especially among companies in the IT sector, further reinforces the adoption of the 9-9-6 work schedule. Employees are often required to adhere to these extended hours to support their organisations’ global ambitions.
Implications for Employers
- Employee Burnout and High Turnover: Extended working hours can result in heightened stress levels, leading to severe physical and mental exhaustion among employees. This adversely affects productivity and hampers overall progress. Consequently, many employees may choose to leave their jobs, resulting in high turnover rates for organisations. For instance, employees at Alibaba reported suffering from the so-called “996 ICU” syndrome, highlighting the health risks associated with the 9-9-6 work culture.
- Legal Issues: According to Chinese labour laws, the legal limit for working hours is capped at 44 hours per week. The 9-9-6 schedule exceeds this limit and is therefore subject to penalties. Companies that promote or enforce such work practices may face significant compliance challenges and increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities concerning employee welfare.
- Damaged Employer Reputation: An overwork culture, regardless of the industry, is facing growing criticism from employees worldwide. The glorification of the 9-9-6 work model in China’s tech industry has attracted strong public backlash. For example, Baidu, a prominent Chinese tech company, encountered severe criticism when one of its public relations executives voiced support for the overwork culture, ultimately leading to her dismissal.
- Loss of Strategic Focus and Innovation: Constant pressure and prolonged working hours can stifle creativity and innovation among employees. As a result, organisations may experience a decline in strategic development and overall efficiency, negatively impacting their ability to meet goals and sustain profitability.
Implications for Employees
- Physical and Mental Degradation: The 9-9-6 work culture has been linked to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, muscular pain, burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly among employees in the IT sector. According to a 2021 report by the China Labour Bulletin, overworking is cited as a significant factor contributing to the mental health decline within the urban workforce.
- Loss of Work-Life Balance: The culture of overwork has severely impacted employees’ ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many have been forced to sacrifice valuable family time, parenting duties, and personal well-being. This imbalance often leads to feelings of guilt and desperation, which in turn diminishes productivity both in the workplace and at home.
- Job Dissatisfaction: Under the constant strain of the 9-9-6 schedule, employees frequently experience fatigue and elevated stress levels, resulting in job dissatisfaction. In such conditions, many seek employment elsewhere in pursuit of a healthier work environment. However, frequent job changes are often perceived as a career disadvantage, potentially affecting an individual’s professional reputation and long-term growth prospects.
Strategies for Balancing the 9-9-6 Work Culture
- Flexible and Remote Work: Promoting flexible work models, including hybrid and remote arrangements, enables employees to operate in environments that best suit their individual needs. This flexibility fosters a sense of recognition and respect, which can improve employee loyalty and reduce turnover. Ultimately, it contributes to enhanced productivity and a more engaged workforce.
- Emphasise Productivity Over Hours: Many organisations tend to emphasise the number of hours worked rather than actual output. This approach places undue pressure on employees, often shifting their focus from achieving quality results to simply meeting time-based expectations. A shift in perspective is necessary—evaluating and rewarding employees based on their productivity can lead to increased job satisfaction and enhance the organisation’s reputation among its workforce.
- Cultivate a Positive Work Culture: Modern Chinese companies can benefit from cultivating a positive work culture grounded in traditional values such as Guānxi (relationship and trust), Hé (harmony over conflict), Kèqì (courtesy and humility), and Chīkǔ (diligence and endurance). Embedding these principles across all levels of the organisation supports sustainable performance and fosters continuous growth among employees.
- Enhance Wellness Initiatives: The physical and mental well-being of employees is fundamental to any organisation’s success. Implementing wellness initiatives, such as free medical check-ups, yoga sessions through external partnerships, and recreational activities, can support healthier lifestyles and boost workplace performance.
The 9-9-6 work culture, despite being glorified by some business leaders, does not necessarily ensure improved workplace productivity or higher employee retention. Rooted in Confucian values, this demanding work culture has had a dreadful impact on the lives of many employees in China. While the intense market competition and the need for rapid global expansion may explain the adoption of the 9-9-6 model, it ultimately undermines both organisational growth and employee health in the long term. Initiatives that prioritise employee well-being, focus on productivity over working hours, and support a healthy work-life balance are essential for nurturing growth in China’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
