A factory in Guangdong has come under scrutiny after issuing a notice that included a photo of an employee allegedly using a mobile phone in a toilet cubicle, sparking widespread debate over workplace privacy and disciplinary practices.
According to reports, a notice bearing the seal of Hejin Technology Group stated that an employee was found staying in the toilet for a prolonged period during working hours on the 25th of the month. The company said this constituted absenteeism and negligence, and decided to deduct 200 yuan from the employee’s performance bonus while also terminating the employment contract.
The notice included an image showing a person crouching inside a toilet stall while using a mobile phone, reportedly taken from above through a gap. The image quickly went viral online, with many netizens questioning whether the workplace had installed surveillance in restrooms, calling it a serious invasion of privacy.
Online reactions were strongly critical, with many users condemning the practice and questioning labour rights and dignity in the workplace. Some argued that even if misconduct occurred, public shaming and the method of obtaining the image were inappropriate and potentially unlawful.
In response, a representative from Hejin Technology Group confirmed that the incident was real, stating that supervisors observed the employee using a phone in the toilet and captured the image through a door gap rather than any installed camera. The company also said the worker was still in a probation period and had repeatedly been difficult to locate during working hours.
The company further denied allegations that CCTV cameras were installed in the restroom, adding that it has reported the spread of false information to the police and will pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading rumours online.
