In an unusual case from Jiangsu, China, Zhang, a 20-year employee of a chemical company, was fired for napping at his desk for an hour—just a day after working until midnight. The company cited its “zero-tolerance policy” against sleeping on the job, but Zhang challenged his dismissal in court and emerged victorious.
The company’s HR report acknowledged Zhang’s late-night work as the reason for his exhaustion, yet the labor union approved his termination. Zhang, with a solid performance record, took the matter to the Taixing People’s Court, which ruled in his favor. The court deemed the firing excessive, highlighting that sleeping on the job was a first-time offense that caused no harm to the company. Judge Ju Qi emphasized that disciplinary action should align with the gravity of the violation and its impact on the organization.
As compensation, the court ordered the company to pay Zhang 350,000 yuan (approximately ₹40 lakh). This ruling not only underlines employee rights but also raises questions about balancing workplace rules with reasonable flexibility.
The incident also brings focus to the benefits of power naps at work, such as increased productivity, reduced stress, and better energy levels—highlighting the need for workplaces to consider policies that support employee well-being.
What’s your take? Was Zhang’s nap justifiable, or was the company right in enforcing its policies?
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