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    Health is literally wealth at this Chinese company that asks employees to run 50 km a month for bonus

    Synopsis

    Guangdong-based Dongpo Paper is making waves by discarding traditional year-end bonuses in favour of a monthly rewards system tied to employee fitness.

    The company's move aligns with a global trend in prioritising employee well-being, marking a progressive shift in corporate reward structures.iStock
    The company's move aligns with a global trend in prioritising employee well-being, marking a progressive shift in corporate reward structures.
    Dongpo Paper company in Guangdong province has abandoned its year-end performance-based bonus in favour of a monthly reward system based on employees' physical activities.

    The new policy, introduced by the company's chairman, Lin Zhiyong, aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle among its workforce.

    Monthly Bonus Tied To Exercise Milestones

    Under the innovative scheme, employees earn their full monthly bonus by running a minimum of 50 km. Those running 40 km receive 60 per cent of the bonus, while 30 km equates to a 30 per cent bonus, according to South China Morning Post.

    Exceptional performers covering 100 km receive an additional 30 per cent. The company also acknowledges mountain hiking and speed walking, attributing 60 per cent and 30 per cent respectively to the overall exercise calculation, monitored through apps on employees' phones.

    Lin Zhiyong, emphasising the connection between employee health and a thriving company, stated, "A company can last long when its employees are healthy."

    Lin, having climbed Mount Everest twice, practices what he preaches, encouraging his 100-plus employees to prioritise sports and fitness.

    Employee Feedback

    The company's official WeChat account reported that the majority of employees qualify for the full bonus, reflecting positively on the scheme.

    One employee expressed the sentiment, stating, "The scheme kills two birds with one stone – we can get both health and money."

    While the policy has gained traction on Chinese social media, opinions are divided. Some praise the initiative for promoting a healthier lifestyle, while others caution that existing health conditions should be considered.

    This move by Dongpo Paper shows a broader trend in incentivizing employee well-being, with similar approaches observed in companies worldwide.

    In 2019, the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication encouraged physical activity by offering incentives tied to step counts, demonstrating a growing recognition of the link between employee health and organisational success.

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