TikTok owner ByteDance shortens China work hours, discouraging notorious '996' routine

Nov 8 (Washington Post) - ByteDance, the owner of TikTok and its Chinese version Douyin, implemented new rules Monday to discourage staff from working overtime, becoming one of the first major Chinese technology companies to push back against the industry's punishing work culture known as "996."³ According to the company, employees have been told that they should not work beyond 7 p.m. and should seek permission in advance to stay beyond that time. Those who work longer without prior approval can still apply for compensation or time off. The 996 schedule refers to expectations that employees work 9 a.m. to…