Chinese salesmen run half-naked after not meeting performance target

As punishment for not meeting performance objectives, sales representatives working in a local food company in China's Sichuan province were made to run 10km in the cold.

South China Morning Post reported that more than 10 men were seen running shirtless on a highway in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan, on Monday morning.

Their female colleagues were not spared and were also running alongside the men in thin clothing.

Ms Chan, an office administrator in the food company who was identified only by her last name, said the employees were being punished for failing to close enough deals.

She was quoted by the paper saying: "We formed an agreement (with the employees) in the beginning of 2012. It stated that whoever fails to reach the goal must 'streak'".

Ms Chan said that as per the agreement, women would run 5km while the men would run 10 kilometres wearing only shorts.

More than 20 employees had to take part in the run, which took place when temperatures were as low as 11 degrees.

One unlucky salesman told Chengdu Business Daily: "It was so cold that I had goosebumps at the beginning."

"But I got warmed up after the run."

Lawyer Liaohua told Chengdu Business Daily that no punishment should infringe on employees' rights, however he said he has never received any complaints over such cases.

Majority of the employees, while embarrassed, said they accepted the punishment as they had agreed to it earlier.

One of the employees added: "The only thing that made me uncomfortable was the weird looks from passersby. It was a little embarrassing."

However, he also said the punishment was motivating and in good fun.

(Source: South China Morning Post, Chengdu Business Daily)