A representative for JD.com has rebutted claims of mandatory overtime at the Chinese e-commerce company after rumors of lengthened work schedules circulated online this week.
Liu Li, a director of public relations at JD.com, wrote Tuesday that while employees are not required to work overtime, they have been encouraged to “make full contributions” because “everyone’s happiness is created through effort,” according to domestic news reports. Liu’s comments followed multiple claims from purported employees that the company had implemented a new “995” or “996” schedule — shorthand for working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., either five or six days per week.
However, some online have disputed Liu’s denial of overtime requirements. “I work 14-15 hours a day … I even have to work at home on my only day off,” a netizen claiming to work at JD.com wrote Wednesday. “How can you shamelessly call this ‘happiness’?” (Image: VCG)