This company has an internal dating platform, offers cash prizes to employees on finding a partner

The company says the policy is to promote belonging and overall happiness in employees. (Representational)

A Chinese camera company has introduced cash incentives to encourage its single employees to date in a bid to promote employee well-being. Insta360, a company in Shenzen, awards 66 yuan (approximately Rs 750) for each valid post on its internal online dating platform that introduces a single individual outside the organisation.

If an employee successfully matches with someone through the platform and maintains the relationship for at least three months, both partners and the matchmaker receive 1,000 yuan (Rs 11,300) each.

Speaking to local media, a company representative said the initiative aims to enhance employees’ “sense of belonging and overall happiness”, South China Morning Post reported.

Since the campaign’s launch, nearly 500 posts have been shared, and about 10,000 yuan has been distributed to employees for their matchmaking efforts. However, no long-term dating bonuses have been awarded yet, as the campaign is less than three months old.

Employees have expressed mixed reactions. While one joked, “My company is more eager than my mum,” another questioned whether monetary incentives were the right approach.

On social media, the program sparked envy and curiosity, with either people wanting to sign up or expressing doubts on whether money is the way to go when it comes to love.

This policy comes against the backdrop of China’s declining marriage and birth rates. Government records show a 16.6% drop in marriages during the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SCMP reported. Birth rates have also reached record lows, with just 6.39 births per 1,000 people in 2023, down from 6.77 the previous year.

These alarming trends have pushed local governments to introduce their own incentives. In Shanxi province, first-time couples marrying before the bride turns 35 can claim a 1,500-yuan reward (₹17,000). However, this policy has drawn sharp criticism, citing objectification of women and age-based discrimination.