Man Wah Holdings Faces Backlash Over Fining Employees for Snacking, Mirror Glancing

Man Wah Holdings Ltd, a major Chinese furniture company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has come under intense scrutiny after a senior executive in its e-commerce division, surnamed Liu, issued a series of strict and unusual workplace rules. The rules include fines for employees caught looking in mirrors, eating snacks at their desks, and not clocking in six times daily, alongside mandatory overtime. Additional penalties were introduced for being away from one’s desk without a valid reason, failing to properly shut down computers after work, and playing games during work hours—an offense punishable by immediate dismissal. Employees unwilling to comply were reportedly told to resign. The harsh policies have sparked widespread backlash online and prompted an internal investigation by the company, with legal experts questioning the rules’ enforceability and fairness. The incident has reignited broader criticism of excessive workplace discipline in some Chinese companies.