Qu Jing, former VP of Baidu, faced public outrage after endorsing a toxic workplace culture in videos on Douyin, where she criticized employee hesitance amid COVID-19 and prioritized career over personal obligations. Her comments provoked backlash leading to her dismissal from Baidu, highlighting growing dissatisfaction among Chinese workers with corporate overwork culture. This incident reflects a broader societal shift regarding work-life balance and employee rights in China's tech sector.

1. Chinese Tech Executive Sparks Outrage over
Endorsement of Toxic Workplace Culture
Source – EMEA Tribune
Qu Jing, the former vice president and head of communications at Baidu, China’s
leading search engine akin to Google, has stirred intense backlash within China due to
her outspoken endorsement of a toxic workplace culture. The controversy erupted
following a series of videos posted on Douyin, China’s counterpart to TikTok, where
Qu candidly discussed her uncompromising work ethic and managerial style. In one
instance, she berated an employee for hesitating to embark on a business trip amid
stringent Covid-19 restrictions, displaying a lack of empathy towards personal
circumstances. Additionally, Qu recounted her own sacrifices as a working mother,
asserting that career aspirations should supersede personal obligations, a sentiment
that drew widespread condemnation.
Public Outcry and Fallout
Qu’s remarks triggered a wave of public outrage, dominating discussions on social
media platforms like Douyin and Weibo. Critics lambasted her aggressive demeanor
and perceived insensitivity, viewing her stance as emblematic of a broader issue
within corporate culture. The controversy ultimately led to Qu’s dismissal from Baidu,
with internal sources confirming her departure from the company. Baidu remained

2. tight-lipped initially, but Qu’s removal of her title from Douyin further confirmed the
development. Despite issuing an apology distancing herself from Baidu, Qu faced
severe backlash for her remarks, igniting debates surrounding workplace dynamics
and employee rights in China’s tech sector.
Baidu Executive Quits After Reviving Toxic Work Culture Debate
Reflections on Workplace Culture and Industry Dynamics
Qu’s case underscores growing discontent among Chinese workers regarding
prevalent overwork culture and cutthroat competition, particularly in the tech industry.
The incident parallels previous controversies, such as Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma’s
endorsement of the “996” work schedule, indicative of a broader societal shift in
attitudes towards work-life balance. Analysts argue that demands for unwavering
loyalty from employees, coupled with economic uncertainties, exacerbate tensions
between workers and employers. Qu’s attempt to amplify Baidu’s presence on social
media platforms inadvertently exposed underlying issues within the company’s
culture, reflecting broader concerns about work practices in China’s evolving
economic landscape.
Qu Jing’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing discourse surrounding
workplace ethics and employee welfare in China’s corporate sphere. As the nation
grapples with economic challenges and societal expectations evolve, the incident
prompts introspection regarding the balance between professional ambition and
personal well-being in the modern workplace.