So, we now make ensure there is an open dialogue between employees and their managers, and managers have to initiate these conversations. We have also set up a mentor-mentee programme in-house, so that employees find more support. The mentor is not their usual managers so there is also less pressure from that side.
Apart from work, what do you think gives people in China pressure?
For China, I think actually work is not the most serious source of pressure – it is family. Most of our employees are born after 80s and 90s, they have young families, and also they have to take care of their parents, with no help from siblings because they are all single children. Parents work late, kids don’t have time with their parents. This makes people very tired.
So, we have redistributed workloads where possible, help people find flexible working hours – this is one great flexibility of a start-up! We give them autonomy and ownership of their work to decide.
Why do you think Chinese men are reluctant to talk about topics like depression or burnout?
Yes, I find it true in my experience. Women seem more apt in openly sharing their emotions and how they feel, or that they cannot cope. Chinese men perhaps, have more pride and high self-esteem. They want to find the solution themselves and deal with problems themselves. They do not ask for help.
Also, in China, it is not popular to see counselors. Some do not even know they have the option or that sharing and talking about their issues actually helps alleviate them and reduce the stress level.
We do need more education about these topics so the society is more aware of this and we can prevent cases of burnout.
Can you share what you do in your low times as an entrepreneur?
I think low times are a constant as an entrepreneur (laugh), especially in tech start-ups. I believe in myself and my ability to find a way out. This prevents me from going into emotional burnout or feeling like I am overwhelmed. And more importantly, I ask for help before it is too late, I think this is a key component.