China woman allegedly forced to do 200 squats at work after missing KPIs, later finds blood in urine
A woman in China developed severe muscle damage after allegedly being made to complete 200 squats as a workplace punishment for failing to meet her daily performance targets.
The woman, identified by her surname Yang, reportedly experienced intense leg pain after completing the squats and later noticed that her urine had turned dark.
She was subsequently diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a potentially serious condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. The incident has sparked concerns over workplace practices and the use of physical punishment against employees.
Employee faced daily target of 200 calls
Yang had moved to Hangzhou in Zhejiang province and began working as a financial consultant at a loan assistance company in June 2026.
Her role reportedly involved work similar to telesales, with her team manager, surnamed Zhang, setting daily performance requirements for employees.
According to reports, staff were expected to make 200 calls, invite one potential client and secure one client who expressed an intention to collaborate each day.
On 28 July, Yang allegedly failed to complete her required tasks.
She was reportedly given a choice between completing 100 squats or paying 50 yuan (about S$9.45) for each unfinished task.
Woman completed 200 squats despite severe leg pain
Yang reportedly chose to perform the squats because she did not have enough money to pay the penalties.
She eventually completed 200 squats and recorded herself doing them at different locations within the office building as proof that she had carried out the punishment.
Afterwards, she experienced severe pain in her legs and had difficulty standing and walking properly.
However, she reportedly did not seek medical attention immediately, citing financial concerns.
Five days later, Yang noticed that her urine had become dark and went for medical treatment.
Doctors found that her creatine kinase level had exceeded 16,000 U/L. The report noted that levels around 1,000 U/L can already be sufficient for a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis can cause serious complications
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases substances into the bloodstream.
In severe cases, the condition can place significant strain on the kidneys and potentially lead to kidney failure.
Fortunately, Yang reportedly avoided kidney failure and spent around 1,400 yuan (approximately S$265) on treatment.
As she recovered, she was unable to continue working or carry out the workplace punishment. She subsequently resigned from the company on 30 July.
Yang reportedly believed that the company’s unrealistic performance requirements were effectively pushing her to leave her job.
Woman seeks S$2,836 compensation from manager
Following the incident, Yang contacted Zhang and sought reimbursement for her medical and transport expenses.
She also demanded 15,000 yuan, or about S$2,836, in compensation for the personal injury she said she had suffered.
The amount was reportedly intended to cover around 75 days of living expenses while she was unable to work.
Yang later sought assistance through a local conflict-resolution television programme, where the dispute was brought to public attention.
Zhang reportedly acknowledged to a reporter that using such punishment violated labour laws, but maintained that the incident was not connected to the company itself.
He also rejected Yang’s compensation demands and suggested that she pursue legal action.
Yang subsequently registered her case with the company’s labour inspection unit, whose staff reportedly assured her that the matter would be investigated.
According to reports, Chinese labour laws state that employers who insult or physically punish employees can face penalties, including detention of up to 15 days.
The case highlights the potential legal and health consequences of using physical punishment as a workplace disciplinary measure, particularly when employees are pressured to meet demanding performance targets.