A young employee in China reportedly developed a serious muscle disorder after her manager punished her for an unfinished task by making her perform 200 squats.
The woman, identified by her surname Yang, had moved to Hangzhou in Zhejiang province and started working as a financial consultant at a loan assistance company in June. Her role mainly involved tele-sales, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
Manager punishes employee over unfinished task
Yang’s manager, identified by the surname Zhang, reportedly set daily targets requiring employees to make 200 calls, invite one client and secure one client expressing an intention to collaborate.
On July 28, Yang failed to complete the assigned targets. She said Zhang gave her a choice between performing 100 squats or paying 50 yuan for each unfinished task.
Unable to afford the payment, Yang chose the physical punishment. She reportedly recorded herself performing the squats in batches at different locations inside the office building as proof for her supervisor.
After completing the final squats, Yang struggled to stand and had difficulty walking. She later developed severe pain in her legs.
Severe pain leads to medical treatment
Yang reportedly delayed seeking medical attention because of concerns about treatment costs. Five days later, she went to hospital after noticing that her urine had turned dark.
Doctors diagnosed her with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition in which damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases substances into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys.
Her creatine kinase level reportedly exceeded 16,000 U/L. Fortunately, she did not develop kidney failure and was advised to rest and avoid strenuous exercise.
Employee seeks compensation after resigning
Yang said she spent around 1,400 yuan, approximately ₹19,000, on medical treatment. Her condition also prevented her from working, and she resigned from the company on July 30.
She alleged that the company was imposing unrealistic targets to force her to leave. Yang sought reimbursement for her medical and transport expenses, along with 15,000 yuan, around ₹2.12 lakh, as compensation for her injury and living expenses during recovery.
Zhang rejected her demands and reportedly told her to take legal action. He later acknowledged during a local conflict-resolution television programme that he had violated labour laws, while maintaining that the incident was not the company’s responsibility.
Labour authorities to investigate complaint
Yang subsequently lodged a complaint with the local labour inspection unit, which assured her that the matter would be investigated.
The incident has sparked criticism online, with users questioning the use of physical punishment at workplaces and expressing concern over disciplinary practices that could put employees’ health at risk.
The case has also highlighted concerns surrounding excessive workplace pressure and the need for employers to ensure that disciplinary measures do not compromise employee safety.