At an annual company dinner on April 9 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, a worker won an incredible prize of 365 days of paid leave. Photos captured him in a white tee and denim, posing with a cheque that read "365 days of paid leave."

The man was so surprised by his win that he questioned if it was real, and even the company's boss shared in his disbelief. The lucky draw, which included both rewards and penalties, could have resulted in less favorable outcomes like drinking a "special homemade drink" or serving as a waiter. Other prizes included one or two days off. The company plans to discuss with the man whether he wants to take the extended leave or receive a cash equivalent.

This annual dinner, held for the first time in three years due to COVID-19, featured a lucky draw to reward employees. Online reactions ranged from skepticism to curiosity about job opportunities at the company.

One online user was fascinated by the idea of winning a year of paid leave, while another wondered how the man would spend his time. The boss expressed astonishment at the prize, noting that the dinner and draw aimed to relieve employee stress after a long hiatus. Ms. Chen from the company mentioned they would consult with the winner about his preference for taking the leave or cashing out.

Chinese netizens expressed envy over the generous prize, with some humorously asking about job openings at the company. Others debated the practicality of such a reward. A commenter on Douyin, China's TikTok, questioned if the winner would risk taking the leave, fearing he might lose his position after a year.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time a Chinese company has offered a year of paid leave as a grand prize. In January 2022, another Shenzhen-based company awarded a sales worker 365 days of paid leave. That employee chose to convert some of the award into cash and donated part of it to local charities.

For the company, the event was a huge success, boosting employee morale and providing a refreshing break from routine. It highlighted how businesses can show appreciation and recognition for their staff. The lucky winner's year of paid leave underscored the company's commitment to employee welfare and demonstrated that compassion can exist in corporate environments.