A Strange Case of Steps and Sick Leave
A worker in China was fired after his company saw that he had walked more than 16,000 steps in a single day during his sick leave. The employer claimed this step count proved he was pretending to be sick.
However, the man, identified only by his surname Chen, decided to take the matter to court. He argued that the company had no right to use his private step data against him and that walking did not mean he was healthy enough to work.
This 2019 case garnered new attention after an official social media account of the Ministry of Justice published the details online.
Medical Leave and Unexpected Accusations
Chen had received official medical certificates for a back injury and a heel spur. These documents allowed him to rest at home. But the company checked his step count through a connected health app he had previously linked to his work system.
When they saw the high number of steps, they accused him of faking his illness and dismissed him immediately. Reports state that the company believed the number of steps showed he was active and not truly injured.
Court Rejects the Company’s Evidence
Step count not strong proof
When the case reached court, the judge ruled that step data alone was not enough to prove misconduct. The court explained that people with injuries may still walk short distances, move around their home, or follow a doctor’s advice to stay active.
The ruling stated that using digital step records as “proof” was unreliable because it could not show how the person walked, where he walked, or whether the movement was part of his recovery.The court noted that moderate walking is common for patients recovering from back or heel problems:
Using health apps to monitor workers
The court also pointed out that collecting or checking an employee’s step count without clear permission could be seen as an invasion of privacy. Many workers in China use health apps connected to their phones or workplace systems, but they may not expect their employers to monitor this information.
Chen argued that his company crossed a line by using his personal data in a disciplinary decision.
Compensation Ordered by the Court
In the final ruling on the case, the court declared the dismissal unlawful. The company was ordered to pay Chen S$21,760 in compensation for the wrongful termination.
The decision surprised many online observers because it raised new questions about how much employers should rely on digital tools when checking employee behavior.
A Case That Attracted Wide Attention
The unusual nature of the case spread quickly on social media, with many people discussing whether step counters and health apps should be used at work. Although opinions were mixed, many found the case unusual and surprising, especially because a simple number on a step counter led to a legal battle.
For now, the ruling stands as a reminder that not all digital data can be used to judge an employee’s actions.
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