BEIJING (SCMP): A hotpot restaurant in southwestern China has been lauded for distributing the 532,000 yuan (US$74,000) in profits it made over three days of the Chinese Spring Festival among its staff.
On Jan 31, the Qilichuan Hotpot Restaurant in Suining, Sichuan province, made headlines with its generous move.
The restaurant’s owner, Huang Houming, insisted that it was a long-running tradition, not a “publicity stunt”.
Huang said the chain has eight branches, which together made sales of more than one million yuan (US$140,000) over a three-day period.
The company has more than 200 employees, and while some took time off during the holiday, around 140 people qualified for the cash handout.
“We just wanted to let the employees have a lively and happy Lunar New Year. It is also for those who have worked hard throughout the year,” said Huang.
“The 532,000 yuan amount was arrived at after deducting the cost of ingredients and labour. We did not factor in rent or utilities for the three days,” he told Red Star News.
Huang explained that profits were distributed according to the earnings in each branch, with the highest-earning manager receiving 17,900 yuan (US$2,500).
“Some managers received 7,000 yuan, and the lowest-paid employees got around 600 to 700 yuan (US$80 to US$100),” he said, adding that his previous experience as a waiter at a hotpot restaurant gave him a full understanding of the challenges staff face.
“I want to help everyone get rich together,” he said.
As Huang is now planning to open more restaurants and hire additional staff, he hopes that “they can create together, share together, and prosper together.”
It has also been reported that the restaurant provides a “filial piety allowance” to employees’ parents as part of its compensation and benefits package.
The allowance is issued separately from the legally required insurance and pensions, and the company requires employees to transfer the money to their parents each month, even reviewing the transfer records for confirmation.
The company’s efforts have received much praise online.
One online observer said: “This is a conscientious boss, and the employees are also working hard. It is a win-win situation. Far better than those bosses who only make empty promises.”
“The boss definitely deserves success with his business. I wish it continued prosperity!” said another. - South China Morning Post
