A Chinese educational firm found itself at the center of controversy after a new employee, surnamed Lou, was briefly fired for refusing to fetch breakfast and coffee for her boss. The incident, which has since sparked a public outcry, came to light when Lou shared her experience on the social media platform Xiaohongshu.
Daily Breakfast Demands Spark Conflict
Lou’s supervisor, identified only as Liu, reportedly insisted that the new hire bring her a “hot Americano and an egg” every morning. On occasion, Liu would also request a bottle of water. When Lou refused to comply, tensions between the two escalated. Lou expressed her frustration online, pointing out that such tasks were not part of her job description.
“I wasn’t hired to be a personal assistant, yet my boss expected me to handle her breakfast needs every morning,” Lou wrote in her post, highlighting what she considered unreasonable demands.
Dismissal Without Compensation
When Lou took the matter to the company’s human resources department, she hoped for a resolution. Instead, she was told to leave the company without any compensation. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the HR department cited her refusal to bring food and water to her boss as grounds for termination.
The decision drew widespread criticism on social media, with netizens condemning the firm’s actions. Many argued that such treatment of employees was unfair and unethical, leading to calls for an internal investigation.
Public Backlash Forces Company to Act
As the controversy gained traction online, the company came under increasing public pressure. In response to the backlash, the firm took swift action, reinstating Lou and terminating her supervisor, Liu, who was deemed responsible for the unreasonable demands.
In early September, the company issued a public statement confirming that Liu had been fired for inappropriate behavior. The firm also pledged to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a fair and respectful workplace.
A Cautionary Tale for Employee Treatment
The incident has sparked an important conversation about workplace culture and the treatment of employees in China. While Lou has been reinstated, the situation serves as a reminder that employers must respect the boundaries of job roles and treat staff with fairness. The public response has further highlighted the importance of standing up against unjust practices in the workplace.