Chinese employee fired for office nap wins 40 lakh in legal compensation
Taking a nap while tasks remained incomplete initially cost him his job. However, the same act ultimately earned him 350,000 yuan (equivalent to ₹40,78,150). How? The Chinese employee took legal action against the company, filing a lawsuit for being terminated over his workplace nap.
Zhang, a department manager at a chemical company in southeastern China, was dismissed after taking a nap at his desk during work hours. Zhang, who often worked late into the night, had fallen asleep for an hour after an extended shift.
The company’s HR team flagged the incident as a breach of workplace rules. In a WeChat conversation obtained by local media, HR questioned Zhang about the nap, to which he admitted. This admission, coupled with incomplete tasks, led to his termination.
Legal Action Changes the Narrative
Refusing to accept what he deemed an unfair dismissal, Zhang took legal action against the company. He filed a lawsuit, arguing that the punishment did not match the gravity of the incident. The case proceeded to the Taixing People’s Court, where judges scrutinized the company’s policies and the context of Zhang’s actions.
Court Sides with Zhang
The court ruled in Zhang’s favor, concluding that the nap was a one-time mistake that caused no significant damage to the company. Presiding Judge Ju Qi stated that firing Zhang was an excessive response to the situation. The court ordered the company to compensate Zhang with 350,000 yuan (approximately ₹40.78 lakh) for wrongful termination.
Lessons for Employers and Employees
This case highlights the importance of proportionate responses to workplace infractions. While companies must maintain productivity, they should also approach minor violations with fairness. Zhang’s victory also emphasizes the significance of employees understanding and exercising their legal rights.
