Emphasizing a commitment to financial well-being and physical health, a Chinese company, Guangdong Dongpo Paper, has unveiled a plan for its employees.
Under this innovative initiative, staff members have the opportunity to earn additional cash by actively engaging in monthly physical workouts. This unique fitness-incentive program has sparked debate, with some applauding its health benefits and others questioning its fairness.
According to the South China Morning Post, the new policy entails a full monthly bonus for employees covering 50km of running, 60 per cent for 40km, and 30 per cent for 30km. Those running 100km a month receive an additional 30 per cent.
The program also considers mountain hiking and speed walking, accounting for 60 and 30 per cent of the required exercise, respectively, with distances calculated by apps on employees' phones.
"A company can last a long time when its employees are healthy," the company's boss, Lin Zhiyong, said.
In 2022, Zerodha, an Indian company, introduced a similar initiative for its staff. Employees were incentivized to achieve a reward of ₹10 lakh by focusing on weight loss, with the challenge requiring them to burn a minimum of 350 calories daily.
Globally, companies implement diverse reward systems with dual objectives. These systems aim to boost work efficiency and drive increased profits.
They also provide employees with opportunities to earn bonuses beyond their regular salaries, fostering motivation and recognizing exceptional contributions.