Unews World
A Chinese technology company is gaining international attention for blending workplace rewards with health and fitness. Shenzhen-based Arashi Vision Inc., widely recognized for its popular camera brand Insta360, recently launched its ambitious “Million Yuan Weight Loss Challenge.” The program offers employees access to a bonus pool of one million yuan (approximately Rs 1.23 crore) as an incentive to lose weight and adopt healthier routines. The initiative reflects a growing shift in corporate wellness strategies, where organizations invest in employee well-being to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and foster long-term engagement. By encouraging staff to focus on fitness and nutrition, Insta360 positions itself as a forward-thinking employer promoting health, motivation, and a more balanced work culture in China’s competitive tech industry.
What is the ‘Million Yuan Weight Loss Challenge ’ offering rewards for every lost
The challenge, which began on August 12, is open to all employees of Insta360. According to company rules, participants can earn 500 yuan (Rs 6,100) for every 0.5 kg lost. The incentive-driven approach is designed to encourage staff to adopt healthier eating habits and incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines.According to South China Morning Post, such wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular in Chinese tech firms, where demanding work schedules often contribute to sedentary lifestyles. By tying financial incentives to measurable health outcomes, Insta360 aims to transform the workplace into a supportive environment for fitness and self-improvement.
Chinese Gen-Z weight loss story: 20 Kg lost in Insta360 weight loss challenge
Source: SCMP
This year’s standout success story comes from Xie Yaqi, a Gen-Z employee, who earned the title of “Weight Loss Champion” after shedding more than 20 kilograms in just 90 days. For her discipline and determination, she was rewarded with 20,000 yuan (about Rs 2.47 lakh) in cash.Xie credited her achievement to a combination of a carefully controlled diet and a daily 1.5-hour exercise routine. Reflecting on her journey, she said:“I believe this is the best time in my life to become the best version of myself. It’s not just about beauty – it’s about health.”Her personal success also inspired colleagues, as she openly shared her fitness journey and introduced the “Qin Hao weight loss method” in company chat groups. Named after Chinese actor Qin Hao, this method focuses on alternating restrictive diets—for example, drinking only soy milk one day, and consuming only corn or fruit on another.
Chinese firm expands Insta360 weight loss challenge with bigger rewards
Insta360’s weight loss challenge is not a one-time experiment but an ongoing tradition. Since its launch in 2022, the company has organized seven rounds of the program and distributed close to 2 million yuan (Rs 2.47 crore) in bonuses.The 2024 edition alone saw 99 employees collectively lose 950 kilograms, with the group sharing a prize pool of one million yuan. These results not only demonstrate the popularity of the initiative but also its effectiveness in motivating employees to embrace healthier lifestyles.According to a company spokesperson, the program has a larger vision than simply rewarding weight loss. The goal is to encourage staff to focus on long-term health, fitness, and well-being.The spokesperson explained:“Through this challenge, we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage employees to prioritize their well-being beyond work. It serves as a positive incentive for them to engage with life and work with renewed enthusiasm.”
Chinese tech industry embraces wellness with Insta360 weight loss challenge
Insta360’s “Million Yuan Weight Loss Challenge” highlights a broader shift in workplace culture, particularly within Asia’s competitive tech sector. As companies confront challenges such as employee burnout, stress, and sedentary work habits, wellness incentives are emerging as powerful tools to keep staff motivated, energized, and engaged.By linking monetary bonuses with measurable fitness achievements, Insta360 has effectively created a model that blends health with workplace performance. With millions already paid out and stories like Xie Yaqi’s inspiring others, the program demonstrates how forward-thinking companies are reimagining employee benefits to include wellness as a cornerstone of productivity and workplace happiness.Also Read | Cardio vs. strength training after 40: Expert shares secrets to longevity
