Chinese Firm Faces Backlash Over Strict 2-Minute Bathroom Policy

Three Brothers Machine Manufacturing Company implemented and quickly revoked a controversial toilet usage rule citing efficiency and ancient medical texts.

The company in Foshan, Guangdong, introduced a 'Toilet Usage Management Rule' on February 11, limiting restroom use to specific time slots and capping unscheduled breaks to two minutes.
Employees violating the rule faced a 100 yuan fine, and surveillance cameras were used to monitor compliance.
The policy referenced the 'Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,' a 2,000-year-old foundational text in traditional Chinese medicine, as a justification for the restrictions.
The rule was intended to improve workplace efficiency and discipline but was widely criticized as an invasion of personal rights and potentially harmful to employee health.
Following public outrage and legal concerns, the company revoked the policy on February 13, just two days after its implementation.

South China Morning Post