TikTok, the rapidly growing social media platform, is facing a significant challenge as its employees report increasing levels of burnout and mental health issues. Staff members have cited reorganizations, stringent performance goals, and uncertainty about the company's future in the U.S. as key contributors to their stress. The pressure has led many to take extended leaves for mental health reasons. Despite competitive salaries and career opportunities, the relentless pace and political scrutiny surrounding TikTok's ties to China are taking a toll on employee well-being. This article explores the underlying causes and impacts of this growing concern within the company.
Over the past year, TikTok employees have encountered a series of changes that have intensified workplace pressures. In mid-January, just before a critical Supreme Court ruling on TikTok’s future in the U.S., staff were preoccupied with completing performance reviews. These evaluations had become particularly stressful after management instructed supervisors to adopt stricter grading criteria. A low score could result in reduced bonuses or even a performance improvement plan (PIP). This environment has left many feeling uncertain and overwhelmed.
The situation has been exacerbated by broader concerns about TikTok's future in the United States. Political scrutiny over the company's Chinese ownership has heightened anxiety among employees. Some fear that the app might be banned, which adds to the sense of instability. Former and current employees have noted that discussions about mental health and the need for time off have become more frequent within the organization. Several employees have opted to take mental health leave, ranging from two to three months, to cope with the mounting stress.
Beyond TikTok, the tech industry as a whole is grappling with similar issues. Companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft have also tightened performance standards and cut back on perks in pursuit of greater efficiency. However, TikTok faces unique challenges due to its political vulnerabilities. The looming possibility of the app being shut down in the U.S. by April has further contributed to employee anxiety. While some find the high-pressure environment worth it for the opportunity to work at a leading tech company, others struggle with the constant uncertainty and demanding expectations.
Despite these challenges, TikTok offers various mental health resources to its employees, including therapy sessions through platforms like Lyra Health. Yet, the cultural shift brought by new leadership from ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has introduced additional layers of complexity. Frequent reorganizations, late-night calls with Chinese teams, and stringent return-to-office policies have made many jobs feel less secure. The pressure to maintain high performance levels while navigating these changes has left many employees feeling like they are "building the plane while flying it."
As TikTok continues to navigate these challenges, the importance of addressing employee burnout cannot be overstated. Failure to do so can lead to higher absenteeism and turnover rates, impacting both productivity and morale. For many employees, the decision to stay at TikTok despite the intense work culture is influenced by competitive salaries and limited job market opportunities. As the April deadline approaches, the question remains: how will TikTok balance its ambitious growth goals with the well-being of its workforce?