Chinese firm feels the heat for making employees eat fire: 'Helps in overcoming fear, boosts confidence'

A Chinese firm is facing criticism over an unreasonable team-building activity wherein it is making its employees eat fire.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the company claimed that the practice which requires the person to put burning cotton buds in their mouths, would aid in overcoming fear and build confidence among the employees.

A social media user identified as Rongrong has exposed the firm's deeds online.

A netizen said that the stunt which is usually seen in acrobatics is done by extinguishing the fire by preventing oxygen when the mouth quickly closes after placing the burning cotton bud inside it.

According to SCMP, another person said, "Performers must control their breathing, keep their mouth moist, and time the closure precisely. Only trained professionals can do this safely."

Rongrong said that she hesitated in joining her other office colleagues for the fire-eating activity but complied fearing if she didn't, she might lose her job.

According to the report which quoted another Chinese publication, the educational firm is based in China's Liaoning province and Rongrong had worked there for less than a year.

She said that the two-day activity involved 60 people who were divided in six groups.

Rongrong said, "The purpose was to show the company’s leadership our determination. To show that we wanted to win, and we wanted to make money."

According to SCMP, many companies in China allegedly use the fire-eating practice claiming that it helps in boosting confidence, overcome fear and makes a person realise his/her potential.

Another Chinese firm named Renzhong reportedly claims on its website that it will train its employees in fire-eating techniques and also provide on-site safety equipment.

Expressing that she felt scared, Rongrong said, "I found it degrading".

She said that the activity violated labour laws and that she plans to file a complaint against the firm.

According to the publication's report, firms, under the Chinese law, that force unreasonable activities which violate employee rights may face warning and would also have to pay for compensation.

A Chinese lawyer has advised employees to use legal action to expose disrespectful and unreasonable workplace practices.