Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is under scrutiny following allegations of unofficial overtime pressure on its employees.
Reports emerged on the professional networking platform Maimai regarding employee grievances.
Workers claimed they were required to work excessively long hours, far beyond standard working norms.
These allegations have sparked widespread criticism, reigniting debates about labor rights and workplace culture in the tech industry.
Allegations on Xiaomi of Excessive Working Hours
The controversy began with a viral post on Maimai, which alleged that Xiaomi employees were required to work at least 11.5 hours daily.
Subsequent revelations from employees across various departments painted a troubling picture of informal overtime expectations.
Depending on the manager and department, employees reported working between 10.5 to 15 hours per day.
An employee from Xiaomi’s mobile phone division reported that their team had a daily work target of 12.5 hours.
Another employee in Shanghai described their routine as running from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
As of now, Xiaomi has not issued an official statement addressing these allegations.
The controversy has put the spotlight on workplace practices in the tech industry, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Labor rights advocates are urging companies to prioritize employee well-being and adhere to fair labor standards.
Enforcement of Informal Quotas at Xiaomi
Although these overtime expectations are not officially documented, employees alleged that they are enforced through verbal instructions and informal benchmarks.
Failure to meet these expectations reportedly results in warnings, internal interviews, or pressure to resign.
Employees also claimed that taking a single day off negatively impacts their monthly working hour average, forcing them to work additional hours on other days to compensate.
Contract workers appear to be particularly vulnerable, with strict enforcement of daily hour requirements and immediate disciplinary action for non-compliance.
Broader Implications for Workplace Culture
The allegations have reignited concerns about labor rights in the tech sector, particularly in China, where long working hours are often normalized.
Critics argue that such practices blur the line between dedication and exploitation, creating a toxic work environment.
Xiaomi’s alleged practices have drawn comparisons to the infamous “996” culture—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—that has been widely criticized for its impact on employee well-being.
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