Chinese company forces employee to do 200 squats as punishment for not meeting work quota

A young woman's first job in China turned into a health crisis after her employer imposed a grueling punishment for failing to meet performance targets. Yang, a 20-year-old financial consultant at a loan support company in Hangzhou, was reportedly tasked with making 200 phone calls and securing one client lead daily.

Failure to meet these targets meant either paying a fine of 50 yuan (approximately $7) per infraction or performing 100 squats. Unable to afford the fines, Yang opted for the physical punishment, completing 200 squats to prove her compliance to her team leader, identified as Zhang.

During the exercise, Yang struggled to stand and experienced severe leg pain. She delayed seeking medical attention for five days, only going to the hospital after noticing dark brown urine. Doctors diagnosed her with rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney failure.

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She was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle fibers release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney failure.

Fortunately, Yang's condition did not progress to kidney failure. She was advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity. The medical treatment cost her 1,400 yuan (about $190). Unable to continue working, Yang resigned from her position on July 30.

Following her resignation, Yang demanded 15,000 yuan (approximately $2,050) from her former team leader for medical expenses and compensation. When the team leader refused, Yang reported the company to labor inspection authorities. Chinese labor law allows for detention of up to 15 days for managers who insult or physically punish employees.

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Chinese labor law allows for detention of up to 15 days for managers who insult or physically punish employees.