Chinese firm offers Rs 1 crore weight loss bonus, employee gets Rs 2.5 lakh for shedding 20 kg

The initiative has drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising the company’s creative approach to employee wellness, while others questioned the ethics of financial penalties tied to weight gain. (Representational image)

A Chinese tech company has sparked widespread discussion online after offering a one-million-yuan (approximately Rs 1.1 crore) bonus pool to employees as part of an annual weight loss challenge. Shenzhen-based Arashi Vision Inc., better known as Insta360, launched the initiative to promote healthier lifestyles among its workforce — and it’s already paying off, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

The rules are simple: any employee can register, and for every 0.5 kg of weight lost, they earn 500 yuan (around Rs 5,800). This year, Gen-Z employee Xie Yaqi lost 20 kg in just 90 days, earning 20,000 yuan (about Rs 2.5 lakh) and the title of “Weight Loss Champion.”

Xie told the publication she remained disciplined throughout the challenge, carefully managing her diet and exercising for 1.5 hours every day. “I believe this is the best time in my life to become the best version of myself. It’s not just about beauty – it’s about health,” she said.

A company spokesperson said, “Through this challenge, we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage our employees to prioritise their well-being beyond work. It serves as a positive incentive for them to engage with life and work with renewed enthusiasm.”

Interestingly, the challenge also includes a penalty clause: participants who regain weight must pay 800 yuan (Rs 9,300) for every 0.5 kg gained back. So far, no one has triggered the penalty.

Corporate wellness with a competitive twist

The initiative has drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising the company’s creative approach to employee wellness, while others questioned the ethics of financial penalties tied to weight gain. But, Insta360’s program stands out in China’s tech sector, where long working hours and sedentary lifestyles are common.

The company, known globally for its 360-degree cameras and action gear, has been running the “Million Yuan Weight Loss Challenge” annually, with growing participation each year.