China firm sparks outrage by fining workers for looking in mirrors, eating at desks
Senior furniture firm boss issues stinging notice warning of on-the-spot sackings and salary reductions for slacking staff
A senior executive from a well-known home furnishing company in China has sparked online controversy by announcing a series of bizarre workplace rules.
Among the strange requirements are fines for looking in the mirror and eating snacks during work hours. The rules also require staff to clock in six times a day.
The controversy unfolded in May after it was revealed online that a senior executive in the e-commerce department of Man Wah Holdings Ltd, surnamed Liu, had issued a notice.
It banned eating at work, mandated overtime, required six daily clock-ins and said staff unwilling to comply should resign.
Founded in 1992, Man Wah Holdings is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange and is based in Guangdong province in southern China.
The company specialises in sofas, mattresses and panel furniture. It employs 27,000 people.
One of its best-known brands signed Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau Tak-wah as a brand ambassador in 2016.
