Woman in China does 200 squats as work punishment for missing KPIs, finds blood in urine

A woman in China developed blood in her urine after being forced to do 200 squats as punishment for not hitting her key performance indicators (KPIs).

According to South China Morning Post, the punishment rendered the woman unable to stand properly or walk, and she was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.

The condition occurs when damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, which may lead to kidney failure.

The woman, surnamed Yang, had recently relocated to Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province.

She started working as a financial consultant at a loan assistance company in June 2026.

After the ordeal, Yang demanded 15,000 yuan (S$2,836) from her manager, who rejected her demands and suggested she take legal action.

Work quota of 200 calls a day

SCMP reported that the role was similar to that of a telesales representative.

Her team manager, surnamed Zhang, mandated that each team member make 200 calls, invite one client and secure one client expressing intention to collaborate every day.

On Jul. 28, after failing to complete her work quota, Yang was given the option to either complete 100 squats or pay 50 yuan (S$9.45) for each unfinished task.

Yang chose to do 200 squats to keep her job, saying, "I have no money".

She recorded herself doing the squats at various spots in the office building as proof.

Urine turned dark

After completing the squats, Yang reported feeling severe pain in her legs.

However, she did not seek medical attention until five days later when her urine turned dark, citing her financial situation.

Her creatine kinase level exceeded 16,000 U/L, whereas a level of 1,000 U/L is typically sufficient for a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis.

Yang avoided kidney failure and said she spent 1,400 yuan (S$265) on treatment.

As she was recovering and could not work or complete her punishment, she resigned on Jul. 30, reported SCMP.

Yang believed the company was purposefully forcing her to quit by imposing unrealistic goals.

Demanded reimbursement

Yang contacted Zhang and demanded reimbursement for her medical fees, transport costs, as well as 15,000 yuan (S$2,836) in compensation for personal injury.

This was to cover her living expenses for 75 days as she could not work.

Yang sought help from a local conflict-resolution television show, and Zhang admitted to violating labour laws to a reporter who interviewed him.

However, Zhang insisted that the incident had nothing to do with the company and said he could not accept Yang's compensation requests.

Yang registered her case with the company's labour inspection unit, and staff assured her they would investigate the matter.

According to SCMP, Chinese labour laws stipulate that employers who insult or use physical punishment on their employees may face up to 15 days of detention.