A long-serving employee in China, identified only as Zhang, was awarded 350,000 yuan (approximately Rs 4 crore) after being dismissed for napping at his desk, according to reports. Zhang, who had worked at a chemical company in Taixing, Jiangsu province, for 20 years, was terminated for violating the company’s “zero-tolerance” policy.

Earlier this year, Zhang was caught on surveillance cameras taking a nap at his desk for about an hour after staying late to work until midnight the previous day. A subsequent report from the company’s Human Resources department, which Zhang signed, acknowledged his exhaustion as the reason for the nap. However, after consulting with the labor union, the company terminated Zhang’s employment, citing his actions as a serious breach of discipline.

The dismissal letter highlighted Zhang’s long tenure, stating, "Comrade Zhang, you joined the company in 2004 and signed an open-ended employment contract. However, your behavior of sleeping on the job is a serious breach of the company’s zero-tolerance discipline policy. Consequently, with the union’s approval, the company has decided to terminate your employment, ending all labor relations."

Believing the decision to be unjust, Zhang challenged the dismissal in court. The Taixing People’s Court ruled in Zhang’s favor, declaring the termination excessive. Judge Ju Qi explained that while companies are entitled to enforce workplace rules, dismissals must be proportional and meet specific criteria, such as significant harm to the employer.

“Sleeping on the job was a first-time offense and did not result in serious harm to the company,” the judge stated, further emphasizing Zhang’s impeccable 20-year record, which included promotions and consistent performance.

The court determined that Zhang’s dismissal for a single infraction was unreasonable and ordered the company to compensate him with 350,000 yuan for wrongful termination. This case underscores the importance of fair labor practices and proportionality in workplace disciplinary actions.