• “This isn’t an isolated incident at one company. It reflects the widespread frustration of countless workers facing unbearable pressure.”
• “Yu Minhong is an idealistic entrepreneur skilled at using passionate rhetoric. But this time, his message came at the worst possible moment. The boss was enjoying a luxury trip while employees were drowning in overtime. His grand words sounded less like encouragement and more like irony.”
• “Capitalists feel more sympathy for emperor penguins in Antarctica than for the office workers in their own cubicles.” Source: Zhihu
Guangzhou Daily, a Guangzhou-based newspaper: “It would be better for Yu Minhong to recognize the growing public resentment toward overtime and rat-race culture and to provide employees with more tangible benefits such as bonuses and holidays. At the same time, netizens should avoid being overly critical. No one is perfect. Yu is a respectable entrepreneur who has made major contributions to the education sector, created countless jobs and inspired numerous students.” Source: Guangzhou Daily website
Shang Linyuan, media critic and columnist: “Yu’s incident serves as a reminder for today’s employers when communicating with staff. Managers should not only speak of ‘grand’ visions and company values but must genuinely understand employees’ working conditions and offer real care and benefits. Younger workers today prefer honest, equal and down-to-earth communication.” Source: Baidu.com
She Zongming, commentator with the Chengdu Commercial Daily: “Modern business leaders must improve their ability to empathize and truly ‘see’ the needs of their employees.” Source: Chengdu Commercial Daily Website
An education mogul has found himself at the center of a public backlash after an anniversary letter he sent from Antarctica angered exhausted employees. On November 16, while on vacation in Antarctica, Yu Minhong, founder of Chinese education giant New Oriental, sent an internal memo to all staff marking the company’s 32nd anniversary. Instead of inspiring morale, the note triggered frustration among frontline workers already overwhelmed by long hours.
In the letter, Yu wrote, “At this moment, I stand amid the icy, snowy world of Antarctica. Surrounding me are vast whiteness, emerald icebergs and boundless tranquility.” He also compared hardworking New Oriental employees to Antarctic penguins who survive harsh conditions by banding together. At the same time, he actively posted his polar adventure on social media. Since November 13, Yu had posted 13 videos documenting his trip, featuring topics such as meals at sea and sunrises over icebergs, seabirds and penguins.
The contrast between Yu’s luxurious travels and the reality faced by employees quickly fueled discontent. On November 17, an article titled “A Reply to Yu Minhong’s Letter” appeared on lifestyle app RedNote and went viral. Written from the perspective of an anonymous New Oriental employee, the post mocked Yu for effusively describing his pricey Antarctic journey while showing no understanding of staff struggling with overwork and relentless performance evaluations. Many netizens echoed the criticism, condemning business leaders who ignore widespread overwork culture. Others defended Yu, arguing he has the right to travel freely and that his wealth comes from decades of effort.
On November 20, Yu responded on Sina Weibo, promising that next winter he would select 10 outstanding employees and 10 customers to join a company-funded Antarctic expedition. On November 23, he posted an apology to all staff, further explaining his original intention of his Antarctica letter and calling for unity and mutual understanding within the company.
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