CATL’s Productivity Campaign Draws Criticism Over Grueling Work Hours

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What’s new: Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.’s (CATL) (300750.SZ) corporate campaign to boost employee productivity has led to some working grueling hours, reigniting criticism over extreme work culture.

The world’s largest battery-maker has launched a “Strive for 100 Days” campaign, a company source told Caixin, leading to some employees at departments including research and development working from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, in a schedule he referred to as “896,” the source said.

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CATL has launched a "Strive for 100 Days" campaign, resulting in some employees working "896" schedules (8 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week).
This "896" work schedule is similar to the criticized “996” culture but lacks official company documentation.
CATL aims to boost productivity amid its rapid global expansion, having surpassed LG Energy as the top EV battery supplier outside China.

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Who’s Who

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) is a Chinese battery giant known for being the world's largest battery maker. Recently, the company has initiated a "Strive for 100 Days" campaign to boost productivity, involving some employees working an "896" schedule (8 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week). This push comes as CATL accelerates its global expansion, having overtaken LG Energy Solution Ltd. as the top EV battery supplier outside China.

LG Energy Solution Ltd.: LG Energy Solution Ltd. is a competitor in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market. CATL, a Chinese battery giant, surpassed LG Energy Solution Ltd. to become the largest supplier of EV batteries outside China in the first four months of this year. This shift underscores CATL's aggressive global expansion strategy.

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What Happened When

February 2024：: CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun encouraged staff to do their best to help the company execute its global expansion strategy, calling workers who are willing to be stationed overseas 'heroes.'