27.08.2026 00:50
A young woman in Hangzhou, China, who failed to meet her work targets, found it difficult to walk after being punished by her manager with 200 squats. Experiencing severe pain and swelling in her legs, she went to the hospital a few days later and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.
It has been reported that an employee in Hangzhou, China, was forced to do 200 squats as punishment for failing to meet work targets, after which she suffered a serious health issue. The female employee in her 20s had difficulty walking after the punishment and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis at the hospital. The incident sparked reactions against the workplace practice.
FAILED TO MEET TARGET, PUNISHMENT GIVEN
According to information reported by the South China Morning Post, an employee surnamed Yang started working at a credit consulting company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in June.
Yang, who worked in telephone sales, was asked by her manager to meet specific daily sales targets. If the targets were not met, employees were offered the options of a fine or physical exercise.
DID 200 SQUATS, HAD DIFFICULTY WALKING
On the day she failed to meet her targets, Yang chose to do 200 squats as part of the punishment imposed on her. It was noted that the employee accepted this option to avoid losing her job and paying a fine.
Yang, who did the squats in parts in different sections of the office building, also recorded videos to prove her exercises to her manager.
After the punishment, the young woman experienced severe pain in her legs and had difficulty walking. Later, when she went to the hospital, Yang was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, which can occur when muscle tissue breaks down rapidly.
“I KNOW THE SANCTION IS NOT LEGAL”
After the incident, it was reported that a disagreement arose between the employee and the manager over compensation. According to information in the Chinese press, the manager argued that the practice was part of workplace target pressure but said he did not foresee that such a punishment would lead to a serious health problem.
It was also reported that the manager stated he knew the practice was problematic under labor law.
EMPLOYEE FILED A COMPLAINT
It was reported that Yang applied to the local labor inspection unit after the incident, and the institution said it would investigate the matter. It was noted that the employee requested compensation for treatment and other expenses, but no results were achieved in the meetings between the parties.
The incident also became a topic of discussion on social media in China due to performance pressure in workplaces turning into physical punishment for employees.
WHAT IS RHABDOMYOLYSIS?
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and harmful substances from the contents of muscle cells enter the bloodstream.
The condition can be experienced due to severe trauma and crushing, such as muscles being under pressure for a long time in situations like earthquakes or accidents, very intense exercise exceeding the body's capacity or heavy activities done in hot weather, some prescription drugs, alcohol or drug use, some viral or bacterial infections, and genetic muscle disorders.