A Chinese company has ignited widespread backlash after posting a job advertisement that lists “free toilet use” and “free lift access” as employee benefits, prompting netizens to criticize the firm for framing basic workplace necessities as perks. The bizarre listing, which surfaced on social media on April 29, 2025, has fueled debates about labor conditions and corporate overreach in China’s competitive job market.
The job, involving order processing and requiring proficiency in Microsoft Excel, offers a monthly salary of approximately ₹47,000 (4,000 yuan) during a six-month probation period, with a modest ₹1,200 raise after one year. Additional benefits include four days off per month, double pay for holiday work, team-building activities, afternoon tea, and late-night snacks. However, it was the inclusion of “no electricity charges for overtime,” alongside free toilet and lift access, that drew ire, with many questioning whether such basic amenities should be considered incentives.
The advertisement gained traction after being shared by a popular social media account, Workplace Slackers, with nearly 4.4 million followers, though the company’s name and specific job title were not disclosed. Netizens expressed a mix of disbelief and anger, with one user sarcastically asking, “Do they think they’re God for offering free toilets?” Others labeled the perks as “red flags,” arguing they reflect exploitative workplace cultures where fundamental rights are packaged as privileges. The backlash highlights growing concerns about labor practices in China, where long working hours and intense competition often pressure employees to accept substandard conditions.
Critics pointed to the ad as emblematic of broader issues, noting that listing free toilet use as a benefit suggests some companies may charge for basic facilities or restrict access, a practice not unheard of in certain Chinese workplaces. Recent reports have exposed firms monitoring bathroom breaks or penalizing employees for “excessive” restroom time, further fueling public frustration. The ad’s promise of no overtime electricity charges also raised eyebrows, implying workers might otherwise bear such costs.
The controversy has sparked both humor and serious discourse online, with some users joking about the absurdity of “free air to breathe” as a future perk, while others called for stricter labor regulations to protect workers’ rights. The incident underscores the challenges faced by young job seekers in China, where economic slowdown and high youth unemployment—reported at 14.9% in 2024—have intensified pressure to accept any job, regardless of conditions.
As the job ad continues to circulate, it has become a lightning rod for discussions about dignity in the workplace. While the company has not publicly responded, the public outcry serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and fairness in employment practices, urging firms to prioritize meaningful benefits over gimmicks that undermine workers’ basic rights.
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