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A lighthearted prank at a construction company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, recently went viral after a supposed penalty notice claimed an employee was fined for not smiling at work. The incident, which began as an internal joke, unintentionally drew widespread attention online, sparking debates about workplace expectations.
The controversy started when a photo of a "Safety Hazard Rectification Notice" from the Zhejiang branch of China Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau was shared online. The notice, dated November 14, 2024, singled out an employee named Shen for maintaining a “bitter melon face” on site and in the office. The document, which appeared to be official, required Shen to address his lack of smiling under the supervision of two colleagues. It warned that failure to comply by November 18 could result in a fine of 500 yuan (about $68) per day.
The notice, although complete with standard formatting, lacked an official seal or signature. Attached was a photo of the employee, making the entire ordeal seem authentic at first glance.
On November 18, reporters contacted the company for clarification. A representative confirmed the existence of both the notice and the employee named Shen but clarified that the penalty was entirely fabricated.
“The notice was created as a joke among colleagues who share a good relationship,” said a staff member. “The safety officer saw Shen looking downcast that day and decided to lighten the mood by printing three copies of this fake notice and leaving them on the desk.”
The company acknowledged the unintended misunderstanding caused by the prank and apologized for the confusion. Both the employee and the company expressed regret for any negative impressions generated online.
