Imagine waking up to a company memo that demands you get married or risk losing your job. For employees at Shuntian Chemical Group in China, this was a grim reality.

In February, the company issued a controversial notice stipulating that all single and divorced employees aged between 28 and 58 must tie the knot by September 30, 2025, or face potential termination.

The management described their justification as a wish to harmonise their company culture with the ideals of devotion to God, loyalty, and righteousness.

But these demands quickly backfired, causing public outrage and later government involvement, which forced the business to revoke its ultimatum.

The news ignited mixed reactions on social media, with some mocking the management’s attempt to please the party.

One user on TikTok quipped, "Idiot management trying to impress the party😂."

Another added, "If I’m still single after 10 years, you know where to find me 🤣 Singapore already doing quietly for so long ... singles get higher KPIs to meet ... becomes lower tiered during performance ranking."

@Perfectly Imperfect commented: "Honestly, with the state of the dating world, I get it 😂😂"

But this bizarre case is more than just a headline; it raises important questions about social expectations, the role of employers in personal lives, and whether we are progressing or regressing in our understanding of work-life balance.

#worklife-balance

Marriage or termination? Chinese company's ultimatum sparks debate on work-life balance