Opening digital hongbao, a red envelope containing money, during work time is probably not a good choice. Photo not related to the story. [Photo/IC]

Boss uses WeChat trick to catch absent-minded workers

Three employees of a private gas company in Chengdu, Sichuan province, were fined 500 yuan ($83) each on Monday, after they rushed to open a digital hongbao - a red envelope containing money - issued by their boss on the company's WeChat social media group.

The boss, surnamed Luo, said he did it on purpose to check who wasn't focusing on work in the office and because the gas industry is a special business that can affect the safety of tens of thousands of families.

The incident stirred wide debate on the Internet. In a poll conducted by news portal Sohu.com, 52 percent of people surveyed said Luo's method of inspection was improper, while the rest said it was necessary to take special means to maintain discipline in a company in such a special industry.

"The management model shows a lack of thoughtfulness by the boss, and will only make more difficulties for his future management because he ruined his employees' trust in him," said Li Yaming, an office clerk.

Xiao Shengfang, a lawyer, said: "Luo's action has not violated labor laws. As long as his rules are made in line with the practical needs of his business under a legal framework, he has the power to make the rules count."

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