but the pressure to work long hours and prioritize work over personal life remains strong. Many tech workers in China continue to face a gruelling work culture that demands constant availability and sacrifices personal well-being for the sake of productivity.
As the tech industry in China faces challenges of low growth and fierce competition, executives are cutting staff and making tougher demands on those who remain. Older tech professionals, in particular, are at risk of being let go due to their perceived higher costs and reluctance to work long hours.
The concept of neijuan, or involution, has become a popular term to describe the relentless competition and pressure to constantly outperform oneself and others in the workplace. This culture of intense competition and overwork has led to high levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout among tech workers in China.
While some progress has been made in pushing back against long hours, such as the campaign against the 996 work schedule, the pressure to prioritize work over personal life remains pervasive in the tech industry. Employees continue to struggle with the expectation of always being on call, even during weekends and holidays.
Despite the challenges, many tech workers in China see the industry as a place of opportunity and social mobility, with high salaries and perks like free meals and onsite gyms. However, the cost of maintaining this lifestyle often comes at the expense of personal well-being and work-life balance.
As the tech industry in China continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether there will be a shift towards a more sustainable and balanced work culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees over relentless productivity and competition.