A young woman developed potentially life-threatening rhabdomyolysis after her boss punished her for missing work targets by ordering her to perform 200 squats.
Yang, 29, had started working as a financial consultant at a loan assistance company in Hangzhou, eastern China, in June, earning CNY 4,500 (£490) a month.
The role was effectively telesales, with employees required to make 200 calls, invite one client and secure one prospective client expressing an intention to collaborate each day.
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On 28 July, Yang failed to meet two targets and was ordered by her manager, surnamed Zhang, to perform 200 squats. She could alternatively pay CNY 50 (£5) for each unfinished task.
“I have no money,” Yang said, explaining why she chose the squats.
She filmed herself completing the punishment in batches around the office building as proof for her supervisor. But after the final repetitions, she struggled to stand and staggered as she walked.
Yang said her legs were in severe pain, but she did not seek medical attention because she could not afford it, as reported by Need To Know.
Five days later, when her urine turned dark, she went to hospital and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis – a serious condition caused by the rapid breakdown of damaged muscle tissue.
Her creatine kinase level reportedly reached around 160,000 U/L, an extremely high level indicating severe muscle damage. Fortunately, she did not develop kidney failure and was told to rest and avoid strenuous exercise.
Yang said she spent around CNY 1,400 (£150) on treatment and resigned because her condition prevented her from working. She demanded that the company cover her medical and transport costs and pay CNY 15,000 (£1,640) in compensation.
Zhang rejected her demands but admitted he knew physical punishment violated labour law. “I also know that it violates labour law,” he said, adding that sales companies needed to put employees under pressure to make money.
Yang has reported the case to labour inspectors, who said they would investigate.
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