A tech firm in Shenzhen has found a rather unique way to encourage healthy living among its staff.
Insta360, also known as Arashi Vision Inc, is paying employees cash rewards for losing weight, with bonuses going as high as 1 million yuan (RM613,000).
Photo via South China Morning Post
The company launched its annual “Million Yuan Weight Loss Challenge” on August 12, inviting staff to join in. For every 0.5 kilogram lost, participants earn 500 yuan (RM300). One employee has already taken home 20,000 yuan (RM12,200) after dropping 18 kilograms in just 90 days.
This year’s top spot went to Xie Yaqi, who lost the same amount of weight in three months. Her routine involved 1.5 hours of exercise every day along with a strict diet. She even motivated colleagues by sharing the “Qin Hao” method, a regimen once used by a well-known Chinese actor to shed 10 kilograms in just 15 days.
Photo via South China Morning Post
The challenge has become a regular affair since 2022, with seven rounds held so far. Over the years, almost 2 million yuan (RM1.22 million) in cash prizes have been given out. In 2023 alone, 99 employees managed to collectively lose 950 kilograms, splitting 1 million yuan in rewards.
Interestingly, the programme also has a penalty system. If participants regain weight, they are fined 800 yuan (RM480) for every 0.5 kilogram gained. To date, no one has had to pay the penalty.
What a way to motivate people to lose weight. Hopefully everyone is doing it safely. Would you guys do this?
