Company Fires Long-Time Manager For Sleeping At Work Due To Fatigue; Court Orders To Pay Rs 41 Lakh

Zhang, a long-time employee who served as the department manager for a China-based firm, was fired for sleeping at work. The staff was dismissed from service after being caught napping on the surveillance. The man became aware of the termination only when asked to sign a report by the HR department. The document mentioned that Zhang was found asleep at work due to exhaustion. When asked by HR staff earlier in a WeChat work group, the man had allegedly admitted to napping for an hour during work once. The company justified firing the manager on grounds of discipline and conduct that breached company policies. The termination notice also appreciated “comrade Zhang,” who joined the company in 2004 for his long-term service. However, it chided him for sleeping on the job. The company cited its zero-tolerance policy and the union’s approval for axing his open-ended employment contract.

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Meanwhile, Zhang challenged the termination in court, stating that his fatigue was due to working late on a task that lasted until midnight. He thus claimed that the firing was unfair. The jury also noted that a company could only axe its employees if their action caused significant harm to the firm. The court also ruled that Zhang’s napping was a “first-time offence.” It ordered the company to reward the employee with 350,000 Yuan or Rs 41.6 lakhs on account of his long-term services, promotions, and increments.

Sleeping at work is frowned upon in most parts of the world but not in Japan. The Japanese practice Inemuri—the art of sleeping in public places and at workplaces. A short nap during a commute or at work or post-work commute only improves productivity, as seen in the tiny island nation.

Cover Image: Illustrative / Pexels

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