Chinese Employee Fired for Leaving Work One Minute Early

In Guangzhou, China, a female employee named Wang was dismissed from her job for consistently leaving the office one minute before the official end time. Despite her three-year tenure and above-average performance, the company's surveillance revealed that Wang left work a minute early on six occasions within a month. This strict enforcement of punctuality led to her termination, igniting discussions on employee rights and workplace policies in China.​

Incident Details and Company Policy​

The issue came to light when the company's surveillance footage was reviewed, showing Wang leaving at 5:59 PM instead of the scheduled 6:00 PM. The company deemed this a violation of their strict attendance policy, leading to her dismissal without prior warning. This action raised questions about the proportionality of the punishment relative to the offense.​

Legal Proceedings and Court Ruling​

Challenging her termination, Wang filed a lawsuit against the company. The court ruled in her favor, stating that dismissing an employee for leaving work one minute early without prior warnings was unjust. The judge emphasized that employers should provide warnings before taking such drastic actions and that minor infractions should not lead to immediate termination.​

Broader Implications on Workplace Culture​

This case has sparked a broader conversation about workplace culture and employee rights in China. It highlights the need for companies to balance strict policies with fair treatment of employees. The incident serves as a reminder for employers to ensure that disciplinary actions are proportionate and justified.