Workplace dynamics in China have been thrust into the spotlight yet again, as news emerges about a finance firm’s disturbing employee management practices.
A viral video revealing toxic rituals like “floor greetings” for the boss and the alleged punishment of eating “death chillies” for underperformance has sparked widespread criticism.
This case sheds light on the extreme workplace cultures prevalent in some Chinese companies and raises important questions about employee rights and organizational ethics.
The Viral Video: Floor Greetings and Extreme Declarations
The controversy began with a video surfacing on Chinese social media, showing employees of a finance company in Guangzhou lying flat on their stomachs in a corridor to welcome their boss during an inspection.
The workers were chanting slogans such as, “Qiming branch welcomes Boss Huang! Qiming branch, whether in life or death, we will not fail our work mission.”
The dramatic and highly theatrical scene shocked viewers, who saw it as a complete disregard for employee dignity. While the boss in question, Huang, and the company’s legal representative, Liu, have refuted the allegations, the video’s content has had a significant impact on public perception.
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Liu denied that such a ritual ever occurred and claimed the video could have been fabricated. However, the local government has initiated an investigation to verify the video’s authenticity and scrutinize the company’s policies.
China has shown an unusual way to greet the boss in the morning: workers lying on the floor in the corridor shout: "Whether it's life or death, we will not fail in completing tasks!"
— AI Day Trading (@ai_daytrading) December 14, 2024
The video is from an office in Guangzhou. Police have launched an investigation. pic.twitter.com/aPfvKAQR5s
The incident quickly gained traction on Weibo, China’s popular social media platform, accumulating over eight million views. Online users expressed outrage, with many condemning such practices as degrading and reflective of a broader toxic workplace culture in certain Chinese companies.
Toxic Workplace Cultures in China
While the floor-greeting ritual made headlines, it is far from the only example of bizarre and demeaning workplace practices in China. Over the years, multiple cases have surfaced, revealing how some organizations enforce unreasonable and humiliating rules under the guise of maintaining discipline or boosting performance.
In one infamous case from 2020, employees of a financial company were forced to eat “death chilli sticks” as punishment for failing to meet their targets.
Two employees reportedly experienced severe stomach pain and fainted after consuming the chillies and had to be hospitalized. This practice was widely condemned, yet it highlights the lengths to which some companies go to enforce compliance.
Another instance involved a company requiring employees to complete 180,000 steps per month or face fines. Such regulations, while less overtly humiliating than eating chillies, reflect an unhealthy focus on metrics and performance, often at the expense of employee well-being.
Social drinking is another common expectation in certain Chinese workplaces, where employees are often coerced into heavy drinking with superiors to show respect. This practice has been criticized for fostering a culture of fear and dependency, with employees feeling obligated to compromise their health and personal boundaries to conform to company norms.
Public Reactions and Broader Implications
The viral video and similar incidents have sparked a wave of public outrage, drawing attention to the broader issue of employee rights in China. Many netizens have voiced their disapproval of these extreme workplace practices.
Comments on Weibo reflect a mix of condemnation and calls for change, with users criticizing companies for trampling on the dignity of their employees.
One user wrote, “Such company policies trample on the dignity of employees,” while another remarked, “This incident highlights toxic workplace cultures, such as kneeling to welcome leaders or being coerced into drinking with them.”
At the same time, some users have urged caution, noting that the video’s authenticity has yet to be verified. “The incident is still under investigation, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” commented a user. This perspective emphasizes the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and fairness.
The uproar over these practices has prompted discussions about the need for stricter labor laws and regulations in China. While China has labor protection laws, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in smaller companies and industries where informal practices are more prevalent. The lack of robust oversight enables such practices to persist, leaving employees vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
A Call for Change
Incidents like the “death chillies” punishment and floor-greeting rituals serve as a wake-up call for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and dignity. Companies that enforce extreme or humiliating practices risk not only damaging their reputation but also facing legal repercussions and the loss of trust from their workforce.
Employee rights advocacy groups and labor unions have an essential role to play in addressing these issues. By raising awareness, offering legal support, and lobbying for stricter enforcement of labor laws, these organizations can help create a safer and more respectful work environment for employees.
At the same time, employers must recognize that fostering a positive workplace culture benefits both employees and the organization.
A respectful and supportive work environment boosts morale, enhances productivity, and attracts top talent. Companies that invest in employee development, mental health support, and transparent communication are more likely to succeed in the long run.
Governments also have a critical role in addressing these challenges. Stricter monitoring of workplace practices, combined with harsher penalties for violations, can deter companies from engaging in unethical behavior. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate employees about their rights and empower them to speak out against mistreatment.
The shocking practices revealed in the Guangzhou finance firm’s viral video have sparked a broader conversation about toxic workplace cultures in China.
While the incident remains under investigation, it underscores the need for a fundamental shift in how companies treat their employees. Respect, dignity, and fairness must become the cornerstone of workplace policies to ensure a healthier and more equitable work environment.
As China continues to modernize and integrate into the global economy, addressing these issues will be crucial for fostering a progressive and sustainable business culture.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏