In a recent internal address, JD.com's founder Liu Qiangdong emphasized the company's commitment to safeguarding the jobs of its extensive workforce despite the rise of new technologies. Liu stated that JD.com aims to become the largest physical world operator and, two decades from now, will still be China's largest employer by headcount.

With over 900,000 employees currently, Liu highlighted the necessity of exploring all avenues to preserve jobs for hundreds of thousands of workers, particularly blue-collar staff. He noted that while management trainees can easily find new positions with likely salary increases after leaving JD.com, the company is dedicated to ensuring job security for its broader employee base. Liu expressed that employees' trust in the company stems from their belief that their efforts contribute meaningfully to the world, aligning with JD.com's corporate culture.

To address the impact of technological advancements, JD.com has launched the "Nirvana Project," designed to protect blue-collar jobs. The initiative involves establishing over 80 robotic bases nationwide to train workers in new skills such as robot maintenance. This effort aims to transition blue-collar employees into higher-paid, in-demand technical roles, effectively "white-collaring" them.

Liu acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by delivery and logistics staff, who work tirelessly in all weather. Although JD.com offers industry-leading compensation and benefits, Liu described their current tasks as arduous rather than enjoyable. The vision for the future involves integrating these workers into the robotic bases, where they would operate in spacious, open-plan facilities equipped with advanced workstations, multiple screens, and diagnostic tools. This setup would allow them to manage automated equipment efficiently, such as identifying and addressing robot malfunctions without extensive physical exertion, thereby elevating their roles to skilled technicians with increased earnings.

Liu firmly stated that no frontline employees would be laid off due to automation. JD.com is committed to minimizing the disruptive effects of new technologies on its more than 500,000 blue-collar workers and their families.