A retail giant in China is promoting employee independence by banning bride prices and lavish weddings. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Sohu
BEIJING: A retail giant in China is stirring up discussions on social media with controversial new rules that require employees to reject bride prices, forgo extravagant weddings, and avoid depending on their parents for purchasing houses or cars.
On Wednesday (Nov 20), Yu Donglai, founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai, a retail chain based in central China’s Henan province, announced that the company will implement new measures next year to promote employee “independence” and a “rational, high-quality” lifestyle.
The measures prohibit bride prices and lavish weddings, capping banquets at five tables, while encouraging employees to refrain from relying on their parents to buy them houses or cars.
Yu stated that employees who fail to adhere to these rules will lose all company benefits.
He also emphasised that these measures aim to cultivate a healthier social environment.
“I hope employees nurtured by the company will develop confidence, independence, and strong character, leading vibrant, passionate, and fulfilling lives,” Yu said.
An insider from Pang Dong Lai revealed that these requirements are not yet formal regulations but are being promoted in advance.
They emphasised that the measures are designed to respect individual rights, stating: “These guidelines aim to inspire a better life, encouraging individuals to embrace genuine love and avoid unnecessary extravagance.”
Pang Dong Lai’s new rules quickly garnered attention on social media, amassing over 100 million views on Weibo and igniting heated debates about whether companies should be so “intrusive and meddle in employees’ personal lives”.
One supporter wrote on Weibo: “The larger the company, the greater its social responsibility. Addressing outdated practices like excessive bride prices aligns with national values. Pang Dong Lai is setting a commendable example for other employers.”
Conversely, another person disagreed: “These rules have crossed the line! Weddings and home purchases are personal matters, and the company has no right to interfere.”
A third individual suggested: “If the penalties were replaced with incentives, these rules might be more acceptable.”
Pang Dong Lai operates 13 outlets in Xuchang and Xinxiang, third and fourth-tier cities in Henan province, commanding over 60 per cent of the local market in sectors such as retail, electrical goods, and pharmacy.
Yu revealed that the company’s revenue last year reached 140 million yuan (US$19 million), seven times the projected revenue.
Pang Dong Lai is well-known in China for its employee-friendly policies and exceptional customer service.
In March, the company introduced 10 days of “unhappy leave”, allowing employees to take breaks as needed, along with 150 leave days per year.
In July, it also offered employees up to 30,000 yuan (US$4,000) as “grievance compensation” for unjust criticism or mistreatment at work.
Dubbed “the supermarket that makes customers happiest”, Pang Dong Lai features designated pet areas equipped with water and heating facilities. It also provides 84 free services, including complimentary blood pressure checks, dry cleaning, and handbag maintenance.
In June, after receiving complaints about hygiene issues with their rolling dough dish, the company compensated affected customers with a total payout of 8.8 million yuan (US$1.2 million). - South China Morning Post
