A tech company in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has garnered widespread acclaim on mainland social media for its innovative approach to employee wellness. Insta360 has invested nearly one million yuan (US$140,000) in a fund designed to encourage employees to lose weight.
The initiative, which started at the beginning of last year, has seen 150 employees participate, collectively shedding 800 kilograms. This impressive weight loss has resulted in the company awarding a combined cash bonus of 980,000 yuan, according to Jiupai News.
The program functions like a weight-loss boot camp, with each camp lasting three months and accommodating 30 workers. Due to the high number of applicants, priority is given to employees with obesity. So far, Insta360 has held five camps.
Participants are divided into three groups: two groups of ten and one group of five. Weekly weigh-ins determine the bonuses, with each participant receiving 400 yuan (US$55) for every 0.5 kilograms the group loses on average. However, if any group member gains weight, no one in the group receives the bonus, and each member is fined 500 yuan. Remarkably, no participant has gained weight during the three-month periods since the program’s inception.
One employee, surnamed Li, explained that the group dynamic adds a moral incentive, as no one wants to let their colleagues down. Li joined a camp in November last year, motivated by the potential bonus and health concerns. Weighing over 90 kilograms, he began a regimen of daily physical exercises such as running, swimming, and basketball, combined with a diet plan.
Li successfully lost 17.5 kilograms over three months and earned 7,410 yuan (US$1,000) in bonuses. He reported significant improvements in his physical appearance and overall energy levels, especially when playing basketball.
The company’s initiative has also received a flood of praise on social media. One Weibo user commented, “What a fairy company it is. I wish I could work there.” Another joked, “I would run 10km every day, and the company would soon be bankrupt with a staffer like me.”
Insta360’s weight loss initiative not only promotes a healthier lifestyle among its employees but also fosters a supportive and motivating work environment. By prioritizing employee well-being and offering substantial incentives, the company has set a commendable example in corporate wellness programs.
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