Techie dies in office toilet after clocking in, authorities reject work-related claim

Rejection of a claim that a techie’s death in an office toilet was work-related has triggered widespread anger in China, the SCMP reported.

According to SCMP, 39-year-old Shenzhen programmer Xing Zhi, a father of two, died in his company’s toilet in April. Xing had reported for work that morning and went directly to a second-floor toilet instead of his desk on the 11th floor. He was later found collapsed inside and died after resuscitation efforts failed. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

The company applied for his death to be recognised as work-related, but the local human resources and social security bureau rejected the application in July. The bureau said Xing was “neither at his workstation nor working” when he was found. It also argued that because he had gone to the toilet immediately after checking in, without switching on his computer or beginning work, he had “not yet reported for duty.”


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Wife seeks review of authorities’ decision

Xing’s wife has reportedly sought an administrative review of the decision. She highlighted her husband’s working hours during his four years at the company, saying he regularly worked beyond 9pm and on one occasion remained at work until nearly 2am.

The case has renewed attention around long working hours and unpaid overtime at some Chinese internet companies, where demanding workloads have raised concerns over employees’ physical and mental health.

Under Chinese law, families of employees whose deaths are recognised as work-related can qualify for funeral and dependent benefits, as well as a one-time compensation payment. The lump-sum benefit this year is about 1.1 million yuan (US$165,000).

Xing’s employer has provided compensation to his family, although the amount has not been disclosed.

Lawyer points to workplace connection

Zhang Jian, a lawyer at Beijing Zhuohao Law Firm, said using a toilet is a necessary and reasonable physiological need that is closely connected to employment. He argued that workplace restrooms should be regarded as an extension of the working environment.

Zhang also said Xing’s workload could strengthen his family’s case, although obtaining formal recognition may require further legal proceedings.

There is also precedent for similar cases. In 2024, a Guangdong court ruled that the death of a chef who died in a workplace toilet qualified as a work-related death.

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Case sparks social media reaction

The decision has generated strong reactions on mainland social media, with users questioning the treatment of workers’ rights.

“This human resources and social security bureau has no compassion and is failing to protect workers’ rights,” one user said.

Another urged office workers to avoid excessive workloads and stay physically active, writing, “Life comes first.”

Cases involving deaths linked to extreme workloads have previously drawn attention in China. Last November, a 32-year-old programmer died after years of intense work, and a work message was reportedly sent to him eight hours after his death.

In 2023, a man in his 30s from eastern China died from organ failure after working for 104 consecutive days with only one day off.