A manufacturing company in China has recently implemented a strict policy limiting restroom use to just two minutes, which has garnered widespread criticism.
The Three Brothers Machine Manufacturing Company, based in Foshan, Guangdong, now regulates its employees’ bathroom breaks by designating specific time slots and imposing penalties for exceeding the limit. The company claims that the policy is inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, citing the ancient text, “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” as justification.
Under the new rules, employees are allowed to use restrooms at specific times: before 8 a.m., from 10:30 to 10:40 a.m., between 12 noon and 1:30 p.m., from 3:30 to 3:40 p.m., and between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Those working overtime are granted additional access after 9 p.m. Outside of these designated slots, employees must complete their restroom visits within two minutes or face penalties.
Management argues that controlled restroom usage promotes employee health and enhances efficiency. To enforce the policy, the company has installed surveillance cameras and imposes a fine of 100 yuan (about Rs 1,200) for violations. Employees with medical conditions that require more flexibility must seek prior approval from HR. The policy is currently in its trial phase and is set for full implementation on March 1.
This is not the first instance of a Chinese company introducing extreme restroom policies. The Shenzhen-based firm Lixun Diansheng faced backlash when it displayed images in restrooms, accusing some employees of misusing breaks to smoke or play mobile games. This incident, which came to light on January 20, involved workers who reportedly ignored repeated knocks on restroom doors, prompting the company staff to use a ladder to take photographs from above.
Additionally, another company in Dongguan fined workers who used the facilities more than once during an eight-hour shift.
