Employee develops muscle disorder after manager forces her to do 200 squats over unfinished work

In China, a manager allegedly forced a young employee to do 200 squats for not meeting daily work targets, resulting in her developing a serious muscle condition. The woman, named Yang, had recently begun working as a financial consultant at a loan assistance company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Yang's manager, Zhang, set targets for employees to make 200 calls, invite one client, and secure one client expressing interest in collaboration daily.

On July 28, Yang missed her targets and was given the choice of either doing 100 squats or paying 50 yuan (approximately ₹700) for each unfinished task. She chose to perform 200 squats due to a lack of funds. After completing the final few squats, Yang struggled to stand and experienced severe leg pain. Despite the pain, she did not seek medical attention promptly, as financial concerns prevented her from doing so.

Five days later, Yang visited the hospital after her urine turned dark, leading to a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid muscle tissue breakdown and the release of substances into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys. Yang's creatine kinase level was found to be 16,000 U/L, significantly exceeding the 1,000 U/L threshold that indicates rhabdomyolysis.

She received medical treatment, which cost her 1,400 yuan (roughly ₹19,000), and was advised to rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Yang resigned from the company on July 30, alleging that the company was intentionally forcing her out by setting unrealistic targets. She demanded reimbursement for her medical and transport expenses, as well as compensation for personal injury and living expenses during her recovery.

Zhang rejected her demands, stating that he would pursue legal action. Zhang later admitted to a local conflict-resolution TV program that he had violated labor laws, but claimed that the company was not responsible. Yang registered a complaint with the local labor inspection unit, which assured her that the matter would be investigated.

The incident has been criticized online, with some users demanding Zhang's detention for 15 days while others urged Yang to recognize that no job is more important than her health.