MK sports Korea South China's Guangdong Province, imposes specific time slots for employees to use the restroom. Photo: Screenshot from media reports" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-21/2b45a2b3-5fa3-46a2-afdd-466de34e5435.jpeg" />

A recent document published by a company in Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province, imposes specific time slots for employees to use the restroom. Photo: Screenshot from media reports

A recent document published by a company in Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province, that imposed specific time slots for employees to use the restroom, sparked widespread online criticism. The controversial rules have since been rescinded, according to Red Star News on Sunday.

The notice states that the company mandates that employees are allowed to use the restroom during six specific periods each day. 

During other working hours, if there is an urgent need, employees may use the restroom, but visits must not exceed two minutes. 

The notice also specifies strict enforcement of restroom restrictions during working hours. Under special circumstances, employees are required to apply to the human resources department for unpaid restroom use. Violators will be fined 100 yuan ($13), according to the report.

The document also claims that the regulations are based on the Huang Di Nei Jing, an ancient Chinese classic on medicine, and asserts that their purpose is to safeguard employees' health, the document said.

Some netizens commented, "The company is being excessively strict with employees, even regulating restroom breaks." Others raised concerns that the rules may violate labor laws.

A staff member of the company stated that the document did exist and was currently being trialed, according to media reports on February 13. 

However, the company claimed its intention was merely to encourage restroom use at appropriate times, rather than impose strict controls, the staff said.

After the incident attracted attention, relevant authorities visited the company to investigate the situation on February 13, according to the reports. 

The investigation revealed problems with the company's internal management, and the person in charge of the company had been summoned for a talk and educated. 

The company has since suspended and revoked the restroom policy.

Red Star News-Global Times