This Chinese Company Is Paying Employees To Date: Here’s How You Can Cash In!

In a creative effort to address both workplace happiness and broader societal challenges, Chinese tech company Insta360 has rolled out a campaign offering cash incentives to employees for going on dates. Based in Shenzhen, the company launched the initiative as a way to foster connections and create a sense of belonging among its workforce. The campaign, first reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), has generated significant interest and mixed reactions.

How the Programme Works

Insta360’s dating initiative provides employees with 66 yuan (around ₹770) for each valid post on its internal dating platform, where they introduce a single person outside the company. If an employee helps two singles form a relationship that lasts for at least three months, they are eligible for a more substantial reward. Both the matchmaker and the successful couple each stand to receive 1,000 yuan (approximately ₹11,650).

Since its launch, the programme has seen nearly 500 posts on the company’s internal forum, with rewards totaling approximately 10,000 yuan distributed for smaller, introductory cash bonuses. However, no large dating bonuses have been awarded yet as the campaign is still in its early stages.

Mixed Reactions from Employees and the Public

The response to Insta360’s initiative has been a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Some employees have embraced the unique approach, while others have questioned the focus on monetary incentives in relationships. One employee humorously commented, “My company is more eager than my mum,” referring to the company’s matchmaking enthusiasm. Another jokingly asked, “Does the company have any recruitment plans?”

On social media, reactions have been varied, with some users suggesting that the Chinese government should adopt similar incentives to boost societal connections. However, not all responses were positive. One critic expressed concern, stating, “Love should not be measured by money,” suggesting that the focus on financial rewards could detract from the genuine nature of relationships.

Addressing China’s Declining Marriage and Birth Rates

The timing of Insta360’s initiative is notable, as it coincides with China’s ongoing struggles with declining marriage and birth rates. According to government data, only 4.74 million couples registered their marriages in the first three quarters of 2024, marking a 16.6% decrease from the previous year. This reflects broader societal trends, with China’s birth rate falling to a historic low of 6.39 births per 1,000 people in 2023, compared to 6.77 in 2022.

Insta360’s campaign appears to be an attempt to address these societal issues by encouraging social interactions among employees while contributing to a larger conversation about the country’s demographic challenges.

A Bold Step in the Corporate World

While the programme may not appeal to everyone, Insta360’s innovative approach to boosting workplace engagement and fostering connections between employees reflects a growing trend in corporate cultures globally. As the company continues to roll out its rewards for dating, the success of the initiative may set the stage for other businesses to explore similar creative ways to address employee well-being and societal challenges.

With social reactions still unfolding, it remains to be seen whether this unusual dating incentive will spark further conversations or lead to meaningful changes in China’s social landscape.