Advertisement also lists 'no electricity charges for overtime', 'free use of the lifts' as perks of the job. — SCMP
A Chinese company has sparked controversy and humour online by posting a job advertisement in which it lists “free toilet use” and “free use of the lifts” as employment benefits.
The advertisement also promotes “no electricity charges for overtime” as one of its employee perks.
The advertisement came to light on April 29 when a social media account called Workplace Slackers, which has almost 4.4 million followers, shared a post about the job listing.
Although the post did not reveal the company’s name or the specific job title, it provided some basic details about the position.
The role primarily involved processing orders, and candidates were required to be detail-oriented with experience and have strong proficiency in using Excel for spreadsheets.
The job offered an eight-hour workday, with early shifts from 9am to 6pm and late shifts from 1pm to 10pm, both including a one-hour break.
The monthly salary during the probationary period was 4,000 yuan (US$550), with four days off a month and double pay on national holidays.
However, what sparked widespread criticism and controversy was the list of “benefits”, which included free access to toilets and lifts and no electricity charges for working overtime.
The company also mentioned occasional team-building activities, afternoon tea, and late-night snacks as part of the benefits package.
Also, employees were promised a 100-yuan (US$14) monthly base salary increase after completing one year of service.
The advertisement sparked a heated and humorous discussion online.
One person said: “These so-called job benefits should be standard? How can they be listed as perks?”
While another online observer asked: “Does this company think it is God or some kind of saviour?”
Meanwhile, a third person said: “Scroll through more job apps and you will find plenty of bizarre companies like this.”
The backlash comes against the backdrop of China’s highly competitive job market, where workers face numerous challenges, including long working hours, low pay, poor working conditions, and limited job security.
In some industries, many employees endure the gruelling so-called 996 schedule, working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week.
People also face age discrimination, with many struggling to find jobs once they are over the age of 35.
Also, some employers evade their legal obligations to make timely and sufficient social security contributions.
The outlook is especially tough for young people.
This year, more than 12 million new graduates in China are expected to enter the workforce, yet the number of available jobs remains limited, compounding the already harsh working conditions.
China’s Labour Contract Law stipulates that employees should work no more than eight hours a day and no more than 44 hours a week on average.
It also requires employers to provide a basic pension, medical care, and unemployment insurance. – South China Morning Post
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