Woman in China develops life threatening condition after boss forces her to do 200 squats for every unfinished task

A young woman in China was diagnosed with the potentially life-threatening condition rhabdomyolysis after she was ordered to perform 200 squats at work as punishment for failing to meet her daily targets, according to a report by SCMP.

The woman, surnamed Yang, had recently moved to Hangzhou in Zhejiang province for her first job. She joined a loan assistance company in June as a financial consultant, although the position was essentially telesales work. Her team manager, surnamed Zhang, required employees to make 200 calls, invite one client and secure one client willing to express an intention to collaborate each day.

On July 28, after Yang failed to complete her quota, she was reportedly given two options: complete 100 squats or pay 50 yuan (US$7) for each unfinished task.


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Yang said she could not afford the payment and therefore chose to do the squats to keep her job. “I have no money,” she said.

200 squats leave employee struggling to walk

Yang recorded herself performing the exercise in batches at different locations around the office building to provide proof to her supervisor.

According to footage reviewed by SCMP, Yang struggled to stand properly after completing the final squats and staggered as she walked. She also experienced intense pain in her legs.

Despite the symptoms, she did not immediately go to hospital because of her financial circumstances. She sought medical treatment five days later, after noticing that her urine had become dark.

Doctors diagnosed Yang with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases its contents into the bloodstream. In severe cases, the resulting substances can damage the kidneys and cause potentially life-threatening kidney failure.

Her creatine kinase level had climbed above 16,000 U/L. A level of around 1,000 U/L is typically enough to indicate rhabdomyolysis.

Fortunately, Yang did not develop kidney failure. Doctors advised her to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity.

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Medical costs and resignation after punishment

Yang said her treatment cost 1,400 yuan (US$210). She was also unable to continue working or complete the punishment, prompting her to resign on July 30.

She believed the company was deliberately forcing her out by setting targets she considered unrealistic.

Yang subsequently contacted Zhang and sought reimbursement for her medical and transport expenses, along with 15,000 yuan (US$2,200) in compensation for the injury. She said the requested amount was intended to cover her living expenses for 75 days because her condition would prevent her from looking for another job in the immediate future.

Zhang rejected the request and told her that she could pursue the matter through legal channels.

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Manager admits labour law violation

Yang later approached a local television programme that helps resolve disputes. During an interview with the programme, Zhang acknowledged that he had violated labour laws but maintained that the incident was unrelated to the company.

He also indicated that he was unwilling to accept the compensation amount demanded by Yang.

Yang then registered a complaint with the labour inspection unit responsible for supervising the company. Officials assured her that the matter would be investigated.

Under labour law, personnel responsible for insulting or physically punishing employees may face detention of up to 15 days.

The case has since drawn reactions online, with some observers calling for action against the manager.

“Zhang should be detained for 15 days,” one user wrote.

Another said, “The young lady should recognise that no job is more important than her health.”