A Chinese crane company has sparked widespread attention after distributing millions of yuan in cash to employees as year-end bonuses, allowing them to take home as much as they could count within a set time limit. The unusual bonus scheme, implemented by Henan Mine Crane Co. Ltd, has gone viral on social media, drawing both admiration and scrutiny.
The event, held in Henan province, involved laying out approximately 60 million yuan (roughly $8.3 million USD, or 2.7 billion New Taiwan dollars) on a 70-meter-long table. Employees were then given varying amounts of time – ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, determined by lottery – to count as much of the cash as possible, with the counted amount being theirs to keep. A deduction of 1,000 yuan (approximately $140 USD) was applied for each incorrectly counted note, with 20 money counters on hand to verify totals.
The company’s decision to distribute bonuses in this manner reflects a successful year, with reported profits exceeding 1.2 billion yuan (approximately $167 million USD). According to company officials, roughly two-thirds of those profits were allocated to employee bonuses. The initiative appears to be an attempt to share the company’s success directly with its workforce, many of whom face financial pressures such as mortgages and car loans.
Reports indicate that one employee managed to count 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,000 USD, or 1.1 million Taiwan dollars) within the 15-minute timeframe, while another reportedly secured 89,000 yuan (approximately $12,400 USD) in just 10 minutes. Employees described the experience as exhilarating, with one stating they hoped to count 40,000 yuan (approximately $5,600 USD) this year, exceeding their previous haul.
Beyond the cash-counting challenge, the company also held a lottery with additional prizes. The founder, Cui Peijun, initially intended to award gold jewelry as prizes but jokingly suggested the rising price of gold led to a change of plans, opting instead for washing machines. He then announced an additional 20,000 yuan (approximately $2,800 USD) bonus for anyone who won a washing machine, prompting amusement and applause from the assembled employees.
The company is currently recruiting, with 63 positions available, and the unusual bonus scheme is likely to attract a significant number of applicants. The event has generated considerable discussion online, with many praising the company’s generosity and innovative approach to employee rewards. However, the spectacle also raises questions about the potential for errors, the logistical challenges of such an event, and the broader implications of such a display of wealth in a country with significant income inequality.
This unconventional bonus distribution method is not entirely new in China. In February 2024, the Kuangshan Crane Company in Henan province similarly distributed millions in cash, allowing employees to grab and count their bonuses. That event, like the recent one, quickly went viral, highlighting a trend of companies seeking attention-grabbing ways to reward their staff. The practice reflects a desire to boost employee morale and demonstrate financial success, but also taps into a cultural fascination with displays of wealth and good fortune.
The Henan Mine Crane Co. Ltd. Event underscores the competitive landscape for talent in China’s rapidly evolving economy. Companies are increasingly seeking innovative ways to attract and retain skilled workers, and generous bonus schemes, particularly those with a unique and memorable element, can serve as a powerful recruitment tool. The company’s founder has indicated plans to potentially include employee families in future events, further emphasizing the importance of employee well-being and engagement.
The company’s success and willingness to share profits with its employees stand in contrast to ongoing economic challenges in some sectors of the Chinese economy. While overall growth remains positive, concerns persist regarding property market instability and rising debt levels. The Henan Mine Crane Co. Ltd.’s approach may be seen as a positive example of responsible corporate citizenship and a commitment to supporting its workforce during a period of economic uncertainty.
