Listen to how those professionals who work abroad year after year respond to the 996 work schedule

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This post was last edited by lovelife1997 on 2019-4-19 at 12:40. Let me say a few words first to avoid any misunderstandings or even accusations that are bound to arise. First of all, I also oppose the 996 work schedule; it violates labor laws. I especially object to forcing employees to work overtime without providing them with proper compensation, while the owners reap huge profits and talk about dedication – this is even more immoral. Such companies certainly aren’t great companies. As for the second point, things can’t be viewed in black and white; different industries have their own particularities, and it’s necessary to allow for different opinions. To be honest, which of those who work for China abroad don’t follow the 996 work schedule? It’s not even a 996 issue anymore; it’s now a 007 issue! If you’re not familiar with 996, let me explain briefly: 996 refers to starting work at 9 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m., with 6 days of work per week ； As for 007, it’s a bit exaggerated, but it means being on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at all times. I say this not only because I have myself been stationed abroad for a long time, but also because of recent business trips overseas, where I shared similar feelings with many fellow nationals who are abroad. For example, yesterday I visited the construction site of Egypt’s new capital in Cairo; the core CBD project there is being built by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, and it is currently the largest construction project undertaken by a Chinese company overseas. There are over 1,000 Chinese workers on the construction site, along with more than 4,000 local workers. At its peak, it is estimated that 3,000 Chinese workers and over 10,000 local workers will be needed. How long do Chinese workers here usually work? I start working at the construction site at 6 a.m. and finish my day’s work after 6 p.m., working seven days a week! What is this? This is no longer a 996 issue; it’s a 667 issue. Moreover, it is said that they work for 18 months at a time, as that is the validity period of their visas; they return to their home country for a vacation, and the vast majority of them come back again after that. Such diligence, such effort, is in many **imagineable. Therefore, in the several ** places we visited, whenever the topic of the diligence of the Chinese came up, the locals were always filled with admiration. At the high-speed rail construction site in Indonesia, Chinese workers admitted that they were feeling anxious – time was passing by day by day, and if they didn’t hurry up, how could they live up to the reputation of Chinese efficiency? A local executive, however, voiced his opinion in front of us: The Chinese colleagues are too eager; they are far away from their homes and families and want to return home as soon as possible, which is understandable. But your pace is already good enough – in such a short time, 95% of the land acquisition for the Yawan High-Speed Railway has been completed, and work has started on many sections of the route, which other companies cannot even imagine. You should know that the first subway line in Jakarta, which was just opened, was built by a Japanese company over a period of eight years. Also, I must boast a bit – none of my colleagues and peers abroad don’t work the 996 schedule Even 996 is a luxury. Because being a journalist means one must always be in working mode; how can I say that I finish work at 6 o’clock, and then at around 7 o’clock there’s a fire at Notre-Dame, but sorry, I won’t cover it – I’m off work! Let me give an example from my own experience. Back then I was working in Jerusalem, and on the weekend I went to a Chinese friend’s house to get my hair cut (his wife is a barber back in China). I had only half of my hair cut when an explosion occurred in Jerusalem. With no choice, without even washing my hair or finishing cutting it, I drove to the scene with my colleague... Almost every colleague working abroad has had such an experience. What on earth is this compared to the 996 work schedule? This is truly 007. This kind of dedicated effort is difficult for many foreigners to understand. Not long ago, when I was on a business trip to Argentina, a colleague from China’s Gezhouba Group, which is responsible for building Argentina’s largest hydroelectric power plant, told me that Chinese workers have to work six days a week; using today’s terminology, they are working at a 666 pace. Foreigners really don’t understand; you Chinese are just not good at enjoying life. What they especially can’t understand is that these strong men only get to go home once every six months or a year – don’t they have such needs? Chinese people sometimes can only reply jokingly: Oh, China has a magical medicine; taking it once will last at least half a year... Don’t laugh. This is actually the everyday reality of millions of Chinese people working abroad. Some of them are expatriates, some are employees of state-owned enterprises, and most are ordinary Chinese people, including employees of private enterprises in China. For example, in Ethiopia, at the Egged railway control center, I saw a bed placed right there behind the work area; it goes without saying that it’s used for taking a quick nap when working overtime. If, I mean just if, if these Chinese people also worked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and only 5 days a week, imagine, would there still be such a renowned reputation for the \"Chinese speed\"? It’s also possible to see in Hollywood movies foreign leaders exclaiming that for such a challenging project, it can only be entrusted to the Chinese. Why? Because the Chinese are the most patient, the most hardworking, and complain the least; only the Chinese can do things quickly and well. Of course, I don’t want to idealize them either; the vast majority of them simply want to work hard and earn more money. Even if it means overworking themselves, it’s not for their own enjoyment, but rather to support their parents and provide a better life for their children... During this business trip, I visited many sites related to the Belt and Road Initiative. It gives one the impression that what the Belt and Road Initiative leaves behind are not only bridges, roads, ports and other large-scale facilities, but that these facilities indeed benefit local people’s lives, representing true cooperation for mutual benefit ； But these projects are also a window through which the qualities of the Chinese people are displayed – our diligence, our willingness to endure hardship, our wisdom, and our concept of harmony. Many locals, when talking about these Chinese workers, give their approval with a thumbs up. The friendship between nations lies in the closeness of their peoples, and the closeness of peoples stems from the connection between their hearts. I’ve gone a bit off-topic; let’s return to the 996 issue and share some brief thoughts: First, 996 is not something that should be promoted. After all, it is the employees’ health and well-being that are being harmed. Overtime is acceptable, but it must be properly compensated; efficiency should be improved rather than working longer hours. Otherwise, it is certainly not sustainable and is also a sign of low efficiency. Such companies are doomed not to become great companies. Second, we must not dampen people’s enthusiasm for striving. In fact, without the hard work and perseverance of the Chinese people, could China have reached where it is today? Without the hard work and perseverance of those working abroad, could Chinese overseas enterprises maintain their current competitiveness? China is still in a critical stage of development. If everyone worked and enjoyed life in the same way as Westerners, would that really be a good thing for the **future? Third, it is even more important to understand the complaints of young people. At several construction sites of Chinese companies abroad, I was struck by one thing: the majority of workers are born in the 1970s; those born in the 1980s are not many, and those born in the 1990s are even fewer. Of course, it’s not as simple as whether young people are willing to endure hardships or not; we need to view this in a dialectical way. It’s natural for young people to complain more about the 996 work schedule – what is the purpose of our efforts, after all? It’s all for a more comfortable and better life! At different stages of development, it is no longer possible to keep emphasizing dedication and hard work, sacrificing the benefits one is entitled to as well as the life one should be able to enjoy. Of course, many Chinese people are not as willing to endure hardship as they used to be; it’s likely true even for me. From this perspective, we should show even more care for our compatriots who are still working hard abroad, so that they can benefit more from the fruits of development. This is still progress; I remember when I was stationed abroad, it took four years before I could return home for a vacation ； But now, the vast majority of organizations allow employees to return to their home country once a year to visit family ； In some private companies, it’s even possible to return to the country three times a year, with two weeks of leave each time. This is the right path: create conditions that encourage young people to strive, while giving them the rewards they deserve for their efforts. After all, life is not just about work. But still, I have to say that in this world, there is no such thing as peace and tranquility; it’s just that someone else bears the burdens on our behalf. Without hard work, there can be no ultimate success. Salute to all our compatriots who are striving abroad! Let me say a few words first to avoid any misunderstandings or even accusations that are bound to arise. First of all, I also oppose the 996 work schedule; it violates labor laws. I especially object to forcing employees to work overtime without providing them with proper compensation, while the owners reap huge profits and talk about dedication – this is even more immoral. Such companies certainly aren’t great companies. As for the second point, things can’t be viewed in black and white; different industries have their own particularities, and it’s necessary to allow for different opinions. To be honest, which of those who work for China abroad don’t follow the 996 work schedule? It’s not even a 996 issue anymore; it’s now a 007 issue! If you’re not familiar with 996, let me explain briefly: 996 refers to starting work at 9 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m., with 6 days of work per week ； As for 007, it’s a bit exaggerated, but it means being on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at all times. I say this not only because I have myself been stationed abroad for a long time, but also because of recent business trips overseas, where I shared similar feelings with many fellow nationals who are abroad. For example, yesterday I visited the construction site of Egypt’s new capital in Cairo; the core CBD project there is being built by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, and it is currently the largest construction project undertaken by a Chinese company overseas. There are over 1,000 Chinese workers on the construction site, along with more than 4,000 local workers. At its peak, it is estimated that 3,000 Chinese workers and over 10,000 local workers will be needed. How long do Chinese workers here usually work? I start working at the construction site at 6 a.m. and finish my day’s work after 6 p.m., working seven days a week! What is this? This is no longer a 996 issue; it’s a 667 issue. Moreover, it is said that they work for 18 months at a time, as that is the validity period of their visas; they return to their home country for a vacation, and the vast majority of them come back again after that. Such diligence, such effort, is in many **imagineable. Therefore, in the several ** places we visited, whenever the topic of the diligence of the Chinese came up, the locals were always filled with admiration. At the high-speed rail construction site in Indonesia, Chinese workers admitted that they were feeling anxious – time was passing by day by day, and if they didn’t hurry up, how could they live up to the reputation of Chinese efficiency? A local executive, however, voiced his opinion in front of us: The Chinese colleagues are too eager; they are far away from their homes and families and want to return home as soon as possible, which is understandable. But your pace is already good enough – in such a short time, 95% of the land acquisition for the Yawan High-Speed Railway has been completed, and work has started on many sections of the route, which other companies cannot even imagine. You should know that the first subway line in Jakarta, which was just opened, was built by a Japanese company over a period of eight years. Also, I must boast a bit – none of my colleagues and peers abroad don’t work the 996 schedule Even 996 is a luxury. Because being a journalist means one must always be in working mode; how can I say that I finish work at 6 o’clock, and then at around 7 o’clock there’s a fire at Notre-Dame, but sorry, I won’t cover it – I’m off work! Let me give an example from my own experience. Back then I was working in Jerusalem, and on the weekend I went to a Chinese friend’s house to get my hair cut (his wife is a barber back in China). I had only half of my hair cut when an explosion occurred in Jerusalem. With no choice, without even washing my hair or finishing cutting it, I drove to the scene with my colleague... Almost every colleague working abroad has had such an experience. What on earth is this compared to the 996 work schedule? This is truly 007. This kind of dedicated effort is difficult for many foreigners to understand. Not long ago, when I was on a business trip to Argentina, a colleague from China’s Gezhouba Group, which is responsible for building Argentina’s largest hydroelectric power plant, told me that Chinese workers have to work six days a week; using today’s terminology, they are working at a 666 pace. Foreigners really don’t understand; you Chinese are just not good at enjoying life. What they especially can’t understand is that these strong men only get to go home once every six months or a year – don’t they have such needs? Chinese people sometimes can only reply jokingly: Oh, China has a magical medicine; taking it once will last at least half a year... Don’t laugh. This is actually the everyday reality of millions of Chinese people working abroad. Some of them are expatriates, some are employees of state-owned enterprises, and most are ordinary Chinese people, including employees of private enterprises in China. For example, in Ethiopia, at the Egged railway control center, I saw a bed placed right there behind the work area; it goes without saying that it’s used for taking a quick nap when working overtime. If, I mean just if, if these Chinese people also worked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and only 5 days a week, imagine, would there still be such a renowned reputation for the \"Chinese speed\"? It’s also possible to see in Hollywood movies foreign leaders exclaiming that for such a challenging project, it can only be entrusted to the Chinese. Why? Because the Chinese are the most patient, the most hardworking, and complain the least; only the Chinese can do things quickly and well. Of course, I don’t want to idealize them either; the vast majority of them simply want to work hard and earn more money. Even if it means overworking themselves, it’s not for their own enjoyment, but rather to support their parents and provide a better life for their children... During this business trip, I visited many sites related to the Belt and Road Initiative. It gives one the impression that what the Belt and Road Initiative leaves behind are not only bridges, roads, ports and other large-scale facilities, but that these facilities indeed benefit local people’s lives, representing true cooperation for mutual benefit ； But these projects are also a window through which the qualities of the Chinese people are displayed – our diligence, our willingness to endure hardship, our wisdom, and our concept of harmony. Many locals, when talking about these Chinese workers, give their approval with a thumbs up. The friendship between nations lies in the closeness of their peoples, and the closeness of peoples stems from the connection between their hearts. I’ve gone a bit off-topic; let’s return to the 996 issue and share some brief thoughts: First, 996 is not something that should be promoted. After all, it is the employees’ health and well-being that are being harmed. Overtime is acceptable, but it must be properly compensated; efficiency should be improved rather than working longer hours. Otherwise, it is certainly not sustainable and is also a sign of low efficiency. Such companies are doomed not to become great companies. Second, we must not dampen people’s enthusiasm for striving. In fact, without the hard work and perseverance of the Chinese people, could China have reached where it is today? Without the hard work and perseverance of those working abroad, could Chinese overseas enterprises maintain their current competitiveness? China is still in a critical stage of development. If everyone worked and enjoyed life in the same way as Westerners, would that really be a good thing for the **future? Third, it is even more important to understand the complaints of young people. At several construction sites of Chinese companies abroad, I was struck by one thing: the majority of workers are born in the 1970s; those born in the 1980s are not many, and those born in the 1990s are even fewer. Of course, it’s not as simple as whether young people are willing to endure hardships or not; we need to view this in a dialectical way. It’s natural for young people to complain more about the 996 work schedule – what is the purpose of our efforts, after all? It’s all for a more comfortable and better life! At different stages of development, it is no longer possible to keep emphasizing dedication and hard work, sacrificing the benefits one is entitled to as well as the life one should be able to enjoy. Of course, many Chinese people are not as willing to endure hardship as they used to be; it’s likely true even for me. From this perspective, we should show even more care for our compatriots who are still working hard abroad, so that they can benefit more from the fruits of development. This is still progress; I remember when I was stationed abroad, it took four years before I could return home for a vacation ； But now, the vast majority of organizations allow employees to return to their home country once a year to visit family ； In some private companies, it’s even possible to return to the country three times a year, with two weeks of leave each time. This is the right path: create conditions that encourage young people to strive, while giving them the rewards they deserve for their efforts. After all, life is not just about work. But still, I have to say that in this world, there is no such thing as peace and tranquility; it’s just that someone else bears the burdens on our behalf. Without hard work, there can be no ultimate success. Salute to all our compatriots who are striving abroad!