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Explanation of the Interview

1.Goals of the Interview

1) Qualitative Insights: The primary goal is to gain qualitative insights into the personal experiences of employees working under the 996-work culture. This involves understanding their personal narratives and the specific impacts this work schedule has on their lives. 

2) Employee Perspectives: The interview aims to explore employees’ views on the 996 culture, their psychological state, and their coping mechanisms. This will help in identifying the breadth and depth of the impact of this work culture. 

2.Interview Details

1) Participants: The participants are Chinese Internet practitioners who have previously engaged in a related questionnaire survey and are currently experiencing the 996 working environments. 

2) Duration: Each interview is scheduled to last between 20-30 minutes, ensuring enough time to cover all topics without causing significant fatigue to the participants. 

3) Participant Requests: Participants are not required to answer all questions fully; brief responses are acceptable, which helps in reducing the pressure to provide comprehensive answers. 

Declaration

1.Confidentiality and Data Protection 

1) Confidentiality Assurance: All information provided by participants will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Personal identifiers will be removed from all data to ensure anonymity. 

2) Use of Information: Information collected will only be used for research purposes related to this study on the 996-work culture and will not be shared with any third parties without explicit consent from the participants. 

3) Rights of Participants: Participants have the right to withdraw from the interview at any time or to decline to answer any specific questions without any negative consequences. 

The paper titled “Anxiety symptom presentations in Han Chinese and Euro-Canadian outpatients: Is distress always somatized in China?” by Zhou, Dere, J., Zhu, X., Yao, S., Chentsova-Dutton, Y. E., and Ryder, A. G. (2011), published in the *Journal of Affective Disorders*, investigates the cultural differences in how anxiety symptoms are expressed among Han Chinese and Euro-Canadian outpatients. The study challenges the commonly held belief that Chinese individuals tend to somatize psychological distress, particularly in the context of anxiety.

The research involved a sample of psychiatric outpatients from both Euro-Canadian and Han Chinese backgrounds, all of whom were clinically significant for depression and anxiety. These participants underwent structured interviews and completed self-report questionnaires that assessed the somatization of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Consistent with previous findings, the study revealed that Chinese participants reported more somatic symptoms associated with depression than their Euro-Canadian counterparts. However, in a surprising contrast, the Euro-Canadian participants reported more somatic symptoms related to anxiety than the Chinese participants.

The study’s findings suggest that the phenomenon of “Chinese somatization” might be oversimplified, particularly concerning anxiety. While it has been widely accepted that Chinese individuals are more likely to express psychological distress through physical symptoms, this research indicates that this generalization may not hold true for anxiety. The results imply that cultural understanding of depression and anxiety might differ significantly between Western and Chinese contexts, and that the cultural narratives around symptom expression are more complex than previously thought.

Moreover, the study calls for future research to explore the potential cultural explanations for why Euro-Canadian patients might emphasize somatic symptoms of anxiety more than Chinese patients. These explanations could include cultural attitudes toward expressing psychological symptoms, help-seeking behaviors, and social acceptance of mental health issues. Additionally, the study underscores the need for culturally sensitive approaches in clinical settings to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment across different cultural backgrounds.

In a related literature review, it is highlighted that while somatization is often associated with Chinese culture, it is not exclusive to it. Research has shown that when standardized diagnostic techniques are used, Chinese individuals do not report more somatic symptoms than their European-descendant counterparts. This finding suggests that somatization is influenced by various factors, including the methods used for assessment, societal attitudes toward mental health, and cultural norms around expressing psychological distress.

The expression of anxiety and depression symptoms varies across cultural contexts, and these differences must be considered in clinical practice to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients from diverse backgrounds. Future research should continue to explore these cultural explanations and consider how these findings can be applied to enhance mental health care globally.

References

Zhou, X. et al. (2011) ‘Anxiety symptom presentations in Han Chinese and Euro-Canadian outpatients: Is distress always somatized in China?’, Journal of affective disorders, 135(1), pp. 111–114. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.06.049.

1.Introduction and Background

1.1 Research Focus

The primary focus of this study is the Internet industry in China, where the 996-work culture is most pervasive. By narrowing the research scope to this specific sector, the study aims to provide a detailed and targeted analysis of the psychological impacts faced by young employees in the 996-work-environment. This focus allows for a more precise identification of stressors and the development of tailored interventions. The specific objectives are to understand the mental health challenges posed by the 996-work culture and to explore effective strategies to alleviate anxiety and stress among young Internet industry professionals.

1.2 Definition

The 996 schedule refers to a system in which employees start work at 9 am and leave at 9 PM, six days a week. The 996 schedule requires employees to work 12 hours a day, six days a week, for a total of 72 hours. This is a significant extension of the traditional 40-hour work week. This mode of work, which is mainly popular in China’s technology and Internet industries, has received widespread attention and criticism for its high intensity and long working hours.

and society at large grapple with the long-term consequences of the 996 culture, there is an increasing recognition of the need for more balanced and humane work environments that prioritize the well-being of employees while maintaining productivity and competitiveness in the global market.

1.3 Related Reference-Literature Review

In the contemporary research landscape, the widespread implementation of the “996” work schedule in China has garnered significant attention from both societal and academic perspectives. Wang (2020) highlights that the “996” regimen not only contravenes Chinese labor laws but also severely impacts employee well-being, including issues related to overwork, health, and psychological stress (Wang, 2020). Furthermore, Bao (2022) explores how the “996” culture disrupts work-life balance and becomes entrenched within society through both field studies and analyses of online discussions (Bao, 2022). These studies underscore the severe societal costs associated with the economic benefits purported by the “996” work system.

Additionally, research in the realm of psychological health reveals the influence of cultural factors on the manifestation of psychological symptoms. For instance, Zhou et al. (2011) challenge the prevailing notion of “Chinese somatization” in expressing anxiety symptoms, revealing significant cultural differences in symptom presentation between Chinese and Western subjects (Zhou et al., 2011). Moreover, Luo et al. (2019) demonstrate that self-compassion can mitigate anxiety and depression among nursing students through pathways of perceived stress, offering new intervention strategies to alleviate psychological distress (Luo et al., 2019).

Collectively, these studies highlight the importance of in-depth analysis of work culture and mental health issues against the backdrop of globalization. Particularly within Asian cultural contexts, research into the “996” work system and mental health issues elucidates how culture shapes both work practices and expressions of psychological well-being. These findings provide profound insights into understanding work and health issues within specific cultural frameworks and offer scientific foundations for policy-making and practical interventions aimed at addressing these challenges.

2.Research Question

The research question will be separated into various sectors of the 996-work culture in the Chinese Internet industry and its impact on mental health. shown as below:

2.1 What is the historical context of the population of 996 culture in Chinese Internet company？

The origins and development of the 996 work culture within China’s Internet industry will be analyzed, including statistical data on the prevalence of extended working hours and their correlation with industry growth.

2.2 What is the psychological and physical health impacts of 996 culture on the young people？

Analysis will include existing studies that highlight the mental health challenges associated with the 996-work culture, including burnout, anxiety, and depression. Research on physical health consequences such as sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and other stress-related ailments will also be included.

2.3 What is the cultural and times causes of Chinese 996 culture in the Internet industry？

Comparative analysis of work cultures in South Korea and Japan will be taken, focusing on how these countries manage work-related stress and implement mental health interventions. Examination of the cultural similarities and differences that may affect the applicability of these interventions to China.

2.4 How to employ an effective intervention in the internet industry to improve the situation？

The existing Interventions and Their Effectiveness will be analyzed. Review of current stress mitigation strategies within the Internet industry, such as wellness programs, flexible working hours, and mental health support services. Assessment of the effectiveness of these interventions and identification of areas for improvement.

3.Research Methodology

3.1 Literature Review

A thorough evaluation of existing research on stress mitigation in high-pressure work environments will be conducted. The review will identify the most effective strategies and interventions that can be applied to the Chinese context.

3.2 Detailed Case Analysis

To gain a comprehensive understanding of how to manage a high-pressure work culture, the study will include detailed case studies from several companies of different sizes in China. The challenges these companies face in stressful work environments provide us with many excellent examples. The case studies will focus on:

– Successful Mental Health Interventions:

Detailed examples of effective interventions to alleviate work stress available in China. Analyze specific strategies used, such as corporate wellness programs, government policies, and community support systems.

– Applicability to China:

Examination of how these strategies can be adapted to the Chinese context, considering cultural, economic, and social factors. Discussion of potential challenges and solutions for implementing these interventions in China’s Internet industry.

3.3 On-Site Interviews

The primary research component will involve comprehensive data collection through questionnaires and interviews targeting young employees in the Internet industry. To gather in-depth insights, the following steps will be taken:

– Questionnaire Design:

Questions will cover a range of topics including sources of stress (e.g., long working hours, heavy workload), symptoms of anxiety (e.g., insomnia, lack of concentration), and coping strategies (e.g., exercise, relaxation training). The questionnaire will aim to collect detailed information on the respondents’ work experiences, psychological state, and current methods of dealing with stress.

– Increased Sample Size:

To ensure robust and representative data, the study will aim to collect at least 200 valid questionnaire responses. This larger sample size will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the common stressors and coping mechanisms among young employees in the Internet industry.

– In-Depth Interviews:

Conducting 10-20 detailed interviews with participants to gain qualitative insights into their personal experiences with the 996-work culture. Interviews will explore employees’ views on the 996 cultures, their psychological state, and their coping mechanisms in high-pressure work environments.

-Data collection and analysis

Data collection will focus on understanding the specific stressors and mental health challenges faced by young employees in the Internet industry. Quantitative data from the questionnaires will be analyzed using statistical software (e.g., SPSS) to identify patterns and correlations between stressors, symptoms, and coping strategies. Qualitative data from the interviews will be thematically analyzed to identify common themes and insights related to stress and coping mechanisms.

References

Bao, X. (2022). The Striving Trap: Chinese 996 Work Culture, Online and Offline Perspectives (Master’s thesis, Duke University).

Luo, Y., Meng, R., Li, J., Liu, B., Cao, X., & Ge, W. (2019). Self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students: a pathway through perceived stress. Public Health (London), 174, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.05.015

Wang, J. J. (2020). How managers use culture and controls to impose a ‘996’work regime in China that constitutes modern slavery. Accounting & Finance, 60(4), 4331-4359.

Zhou, L. et al. (2022) ‘Perceived Social Support Promotes Nursing Students’ Psychological Wellbeing: Explained With Self-Compassion and Professional Self-Concept’, Frontiers in psychology, 13, pp. 835134–835134. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835134.

Zhou, X. et al. (2011) ‘Anxiety symptom presentations in Han Chinese and Euro-Canadian outpatients: Is distress always somatized in China?’, Journal of affective disorders, 135(1), pp. 111–114. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.06.049.

• Understanding the Emergence of the 996 Work System

The 996-work system, where employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, originated in China’s tech industry as a response to the intense pressures of rapid economic growth and global competition. Initially perceived as a necessary strategy for boosting productivity and innovation, this work culture has since become widespread across various sectors. Our research, which includes interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders such as employees, middle managers, and business owners, has revealed the deeply ingrained nature of this system. Employees, particularly younger professionals, report significant mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and burnout, as a result of the demanding work hours. Despite these issues, many managers and business owners continue to defend the 996 culture, arguing that it is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

However, our findings suggest that the acceptance of the 996 culture is not universal, and there is growing resistance among workers who feel that their well-being is being sacrificed for corporate gain. Moving forward, it is crucial to explore alternative work models that can sustain productivity while prioritizing employee health. Our future research should focus on identifying and analyzing companies that have successfully implemented different approaches, such as shorter workweeks or flexible hours. By examining these alternatives, we can propose solutions that alleviate the psychological burden on workers without compromising business efficiency, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable work culture.

The paper titled “Self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students: a pathway through perceived stress,” authored by Luo, Meng, R., Li, J., Liu, B., Cao, X., and Ge, W. (2019) and published in the Public Health journal, explores the impact of self-compassion on anxiety and depression among nursing students. The study specifically investigates how self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression through the intermediary of perceived stress, using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to estimate the path strengths between these variables. The research was conducted with a sample of 1,453 nursing students from Ningbo, China.

The findings indicate that the nursing students experienced relatively high levels of anxiety and depression, as reflected in their average scores on the Goldberg Anxiety Scale (GAS) and the Goldberg Depression Scale (GDS), which were 4.50 ±2.44 and 3.58 ± 2.34, respectively. These levels varied significantly across different academic years, part-time work involvement, and career prospects. The average scores for self-compassion and perceived stress were 38.99 ± 4.55 and 0.40 ± 0.14, respectively.

SEM analysis revealed a negative correlation between self-compassion and both anxiety and depression (-0.44, P < 0.001), while perceived stress showed a positive correlation with anxiety and depression (0.64, P < 0.001). Additionally, self-compassion was negatively correlated with perceived stress (-0.65, P < 0.001), suggesting that self-compassion indirectly affects anxiety and depression by reducing perceived stress. The study concludes that self-compassion may play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety and depression among nursing students by reducing their perceived stress. As such, interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion could be an effective strategy for mitigating anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in this population.

Furthermore, the related paper “Perceived Social Support Promotes Nursing Students’ Psychological Wellbeing: Explained with Self-Compassion and Professional Self-Concept,” also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, exploring its mediating role in the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being, alongside professional self-concept. This study also employed SEM to examine the mediating effects, finding that both self-compassion and professional self-concept independently and sequentially mediate the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being.

Together, these studies underscore the significance of incorporating self-compassion training into educational and health interventions for nursing students. By enhancing self-compassion, these interventions could effectively reduce anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, ultimately improving the psychological well-being of nursing students. These findings hold valuable implications for designing targeted programs to support the mental health and overall well-being of individuals in high-stress educational and professional environments.

References

Luo, Y., Meng, R., Li, J., Liu, B., Cao, X., & Ge, W. (2019). Self-compassion may reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students: a pathway through perceived stress. Public Health (London), 174, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.05.015

Zhou, L. et al. (2022) ‘Perceived Social Support Promotes Nursing Students’ Psychological Wellbeing: Explained With Self-Compassion and Professional Self-Concept’, Frontiers in psychology, 13, pp. 835134–835134. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835134.

Xin Bao’s master’s thesis, “The Striving Trap: Chinese 996 Work Culture, Online and Offline Perspectives,” delves into the intricate dynamics of the ‘996’ work culture in China, a practice where employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. The thesis provides a thorough analysis of how this work regime impacts individuals, society, and cultural norms, framed within China’s broader ambition to become an “innovation nation.”

The thesis begins by outlining the Chinese government’s efforts to transform its vast population into a powerhouse of innovation, which has led to policies that, while aiming to boost national creativity, have also placed significant pressure on human capital. This pressure is most evident in the labor exploitation that characterizes the ‘996’ work culture, initially popularized by tech giants like Huawei. What started as a specific work arrangement in the tech sector has now evolved into a pervasive overtime culture that affects various industries across the Chinese job market.

Bao examines the ‘996’ work culture from both online and offline perspectives. Online, the thesis explores how digital platforms have become a battleground for workers seeking to challenge the oppressive work culture. Movements like “996.ICU” and “Workers’ Lives Matter” exemplify how the working class uses online activism to demand better working conditions. These digital protests represent a collective response against the normalization of excessive work hours, highlighting the power of the internet as a tool for social change.

Offline, Bao’s research includes fieldwork and interviews with tech workers, offering insights into how they navigate the demands of the ‘996’ culture in their daily lives. The thesis sheds light on issues such as work-life imbalance, gender inequality, and age discrimination, which are exacerbated by the ‘996’ work schedule. Bao’s analysis shows how these factors contribute to a toxic work environment, where personal well-being is often sacrificed for the sake of career advancement or job security.

The societal impact of the ‘996’ culture is another critical focus of the thesis. Bao argues that this work regime has far-reaching consequences, not only affecting individual health and family life but also leading to broader societal issues such as declining birth rates and overall societal well-being. The intense competition and pressure to perform under the ‘996’ schedule create a hyper-competitive environment that exacerbates gender and age-related disparities, further entrenching social inequalities.

In response to the growing discontent with the ‘996’ culture, Bao discusses emerging cultural phenomena like “moyu” (loafing) and “tangping” (lying flat), which represent forms of resistance among younger generations. These movements reflect a rejection of the high-pressure work environment and a desire for a more balanced and fulfilling life. They signal a shift in values, as more young people choose to prioritize their well-being over the relentless pursuit of professional success.

While the ‘996’ work culture has contributed to economic growth, Bao argues that the social costs are substantial. The thesis calls for a critical reassessment of China’s work culture, urging both the government and corporations to reconsider the legality and sustainability of the ‘996’ regime. Bao advocates for policies that prioritize workers’ rights and promote social equity, suggesting that achieving a balance between work and life is not only desirable but necessary for the long-term health and progress of society.

References

Bao, X. (2022). The Striving Trap: Chinese 996 Work Culture, Online and Offline Perspectives (Master’s thesis, Duke University).

The article titled “How managers use culture and controls to impose a ‘996’ work regime in China that constitutes modern slavery” by Jenny Jing Wang, published in the Wiley Online Library, presents a critical examination of the ‘996’ work culture prevalent in China, particularly within its internet and technology sectors. The ‘996’ work schedule, which refers to working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, has become a norm in many Chinese companies. Wang’s paper delves deeply into how this work regime is not merely a reflection of industriousness but rather a manifestation of modern-day slavery, enabled and perpetuated by specific cultural and managerial practices.

The article begins by providing a comprehensive background on the ‘996’ work culture, outlining its widespread acceptance in certain Chinese industries despite its clear infringement on labor rights. The paper emphasizes how the normalization of such a work schedule reflects broader systemic issues within China’s labor market and societal structure. It points out that the acceptance of the ‘996’ regime is rooted in cultural and social norms that prioritize hierarchical relationships and obedience, particularly those influenced by Confucianism. This cultural backdrop provides fertile ground for the exploitation of workers, as it fosters an environment where extreme work conditions are not only tolerated but also expected.

Wang’s analysis extends to the specific managerial practices that reinforce the ‘996’ work regime. The paper argues that Chinese managers, drawing on cultural norms such as respect for authority and the collective over the individual, utilize these to impose harsh working conditions on their employees. By manipulating power dynamics and leveraging workers’ insecurities, managers effectively create a form of modern slavery. The study reveals how these practices exploit the power distance between employers and employees, with the latter feeling compelled to accept overwork due to fear of job loss, societal pressure, and the absence of robust enforcement of labor rights.

Through semi-structured interviews with 11 managers and 19 workers, the paper provides empirical evidence of how workers are systematically exploited under the guise of ‘cultural fit’ and corporate loyalty. These interviews uncover the psychological and physical tolls of the ‘996’ work schedule, including stress, burnout, and other health-related issues. The paper also highlights how this work regime erodes personal and family life, leading to a breakdown in work-life balance and contributing to broader societal issues.

Furthermore, Wang critically examines the legal and ethical implications of the ‘996’ work culture. The article points out that this regime blatantly violates China’s labor laws, which stipulate maximum working hours and mandate overtime pay. However, due to lax enforcement and the cultural acceptance of long working hours, these laws are often disregarded. Wang argues that the ‘996’ work regime represents a severe ethical breach, as it prioritizes profit and productivity over human dignity and well-being.

In the latter part of the paper, Wang discusses the wider societal impact of the ‘996’ work culture. She notes that this regime not only affects individual workers but also has broader repercussions on society, such as weakening family structures and exacerbating social inequalities. The paper calls for a critical reassessment of the ‘996’ work culture and suggests that meaningful reforms are necessary to protect workers’ rights and promote fair and humane working conditions.

The paper underscores the need for a societal shift in how extreme work is perceived and for stronger legal and regulatory frameworks to safeguard workers’ rights. Wang’s work is a compelling call to action for both policymakers and business leaders to address the exploitative nature of the ‘996’ work culture and to strive for a more balanced and humane approach to work.

References

Wang, J. J. (2020). How managers use culture and controls to impose a ‘996’work regime in China that constitutes modern slavery. Accounting & Finance, 60(4), 4331-4359.