Outrage as China programmer’s toilet death ruled non-work-related for being ‘not at desk’

Public anger has surged on mainland social media after authorities declined to classify the death of a programmer in his company’s toilet as work-related.According to Jiupai News, Xing Zhi, a 39-year-old programmer from Shenzhen and father of two, died in his company’s toilet in April.After clocking in that morning, Xing went directly to a second-floor toilet instead of his 11th-floor desk and never returned.He was later discovered collapsed in the toilet and was pronounced dead after resuscitation attempts failed. The cause of death has not been disclosed.The company sought recognition for his death as work-related, but the local human resources and social security bureau dismissed the application in July.The bureau stated that Xing was “neither at his workstation nor working” when discovered. They reasoned that because he had gone straight to the toilet after checking in, without turning on his computer or starting work, he had “not yet reported for duty.”The phenomenon of overwork is pervasive across China, driven by fierce corporate competition and economic pressures, highlighting the urgent need for improved labour protections. Photo: ShutterstockIn response, Xing’s wife has reportedly requested an administrative review of the decision.She emphasised that Xing consistently worked past 9pm during his four years with the company and had once stayed until nearly 2am.Long hours and unpaid overtime remain prevalent at some Chinese internet companies, where demanding workloads have raised concerns about employees’ mental and physical health.Under Chinese law, families of employees whose deaths are recognised as work-related may receive funeral and dependent benefits, in addition to a one-time compensation payment. This year’s lump-sum benefit is about 1.1 million yuan (US$165,000).Further ReadingHowever, while Xing’s employer has compensated his family, the amount remains undisclosed.Zhang Jian, a lawyer at Beijing Zhuohao Law Firm, noted that using the toilet is a necessary and reasonable physiological need closely associated with work, and that workplace restrooms should be considered an extension of the working environment.He added that Xing’s heavy workload could strengthen the family’s case, though formal recognition may require further legal action.Many Chinese internet companies are notorious for long hours and unpaid overtime, raising alarms about the detrimental effects on employees’ mental and physical well-being. Photo: ShutterstockSimilar claims have succeeded in the past. In 2024, a Guangdong court ruled that a chef who died in a workplace toilet was a case of work-related death.The latest incident has sparked widespread outrage on mainland social media platforms.“This human resources and social security bureau has no compassion and is failing to protect workers’ rights,” one user remarked.Another observer urged office workers to avoid overwork and maintain physical activity: “Life comes first.”Such cases are not uncommon in China.Last November, a 32-year-old programmer died after enduring years of intense workloads. Eight hours after his death, he still received a work message.In 2023, a man in his 30s from eastern China succumbed to organ failure after working 104 consecutive days with only one day off.