In a bizarre case that highlights the growing tension between employee privacy and workplace monitoring, a Chinese worker found himself unemployed after his company discovered he had walked an impressive 16,000 steps while claiming sick leave for foot pain.
The Unusual Case That Captured Global Attention
The incident, which recently went viral across social media platforms, involves an employee named Chen who worked at a company in China's Jiangsu province. According to reports from South China Morning Post, the controversy began when Chen applied for sick leave in February and March 2019 due to a back strain he sustained while at work.
After returning to work following a month-long absence, Chen found himself needing medical attention again. He worked for just half a day before applying for another sick leave, this time citing pain in his right foot. Supporting his request was a doctor's note recommending a full week of rest for recovery.
Company's Investigation and Termination
The situation took a dramatic turn when Chen's employer decided to investigate his sick leave claims. The company presented what they considered damning evidence: surveillance footage showing Chen running toward the office and software records indicating he had walked over 16,000 steps on the very day he requested leave for foot pain.
When Chen visited his workplace to submit additional medical records, security personnel stopped him from entering the premises. The company subsequently terminated his employment, accusing him of submitting manipulated medical documents and misusing sick leave privileges.
Chen's medical condition was later diagnosed as a heel spur, which had prompted him to extend his initial leave period. He maintained that the evidence presented by his employer was invalid and argued that he had submitted genuine hospital records, including medical scans of both his waist and foot.
Legal Victory After Years of Battle
Refusing to accept his termination, Chen filed a labor arbitration case against his former employer in 2019. After a prolonged legal battle, the courts recently ruled in his favor, awarding him 118,779 yuan (approximately ₹15 lakh) in compensation.
This case has sparked widespread discussion about workplace surveillance practices and the boundaries of employer oversight regarding employee health matters. Many professionals have expressed concern about the increasing use of technology to monitor employees' activities during approved leave periods.
The incident resonates particularly with Indian professionals who often face similar dilemmas when requesting leave, especially in understaffed offices where management might perceive time-off requests as lack of commitment to the organization.
