BEIJING (SCMP): A company in southern China has introduced cash incentives to encourage single employees to go on dates, aiming to enhance a sense of belonging and boost overall happiness.
The Guangdong General Labour Union recently reported on the measures taken by a Shenzhen-based camera company, Insta360, to foster romantic connections for its employees.
The company promised to award workers 66 yuan (US$9) for each valid post that introduces a single person outside the organisation on its online dating platform.
If an employee successfully matches with an outsider on this platform and maintains a relationship with them for three months, the company will reward each partner and the matchmaker with 1,000 yuan (US$140).
A staff member disclosed that nearly 500 posts had been published on the company’s forum by Nov 11. Meanwhile, the company had distributed cash awards totalling nearly 10,000 yuan to individuals who shared posts about singles.
The staff member mentioned that because the campaign began less than three months ago, no dating bonuses had yet been awarded.
The company stated that the initiative aimed to enhance employees’ sense of belonging and overall happiness.
It has been well received by staff.
One employee joked: “My company is more eager than my mum.”
On social media, envy was expressed towards the company’s employees.
One user on Douyin inquired: “Does the company have any recruitment plans?”
Another quipped: “The government should follow suit.”
However, not all reactions were positive; one individual disapproved of such incentives, stating: “Love should not be measured by money.”
In recent years, China has seen a continued decline in marriage rates.
The latest government records indicated that 4.74 million Chinese couples registered marriages in the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting a 16.6 per cent decrease from the 5.69 million registered during the same period last year.
Additionally, the country’s birth rate hit a record low last year, falling from 6.77 births per 1,000 in 2022 to 6.39 births in 2023.
This alarming trend has raised concerns among policymakers.
In October, a city in central China’s Shanxi province announced a policy to award 1,500 yuan (US$210) to newly registered couples who are marrying for the first time, provided the woman is 35 or younger.
Many women voiced their frustrations on social media, reporting that their neighbourhood committees – China’s lowest level of government – have called them to inquire about their family planning intentions.
However, the Shanxi government’s policies have garnered more scepticism than support from online observers.
One commenter noted: “They are objectifying women and discriminating against individuals based on their age.”
Another added: “I don’t avoid marriage or having children because of a lack of 1,500 yuan; it’s due to my concerns about job security and stability.” - South China Morning Post
