In an unexpected turn of events, an employee in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China found himself at the centre of controversy after being publicly shamed for using his phone during lunch break.
The incident came to light when photos of the employee engrossed in his phone during lunch went viral online.
Reports indicate that the company had recently implemented a "monthly work on internal control" program, which aimed to address violations of regulations, disciplinary issues, and corruption among employees.
During a session, the vice president of human resources discovered the employee using his phone while eating and decided to compile the evidence into a slideshow to showcase his work results within the company.
The incident sparked a heated debate on the internet, with many netizens expressing concerns over the violation of employee privacy rights.
A local lawyer weighed in, emphasizing that employees have the right to manage their own time during breaks without interfering with their work.
The lawyer highlighted that employees' private lives are protected by law, and the company does not have the authority to intervene.
Online discussions reflected a range of opinions, with some questioning the fairness of restricting phone use during breaks, while others advised the employee to consider resigning, deeming the company's actions unethical and not worth the compromise of personal freedom.