Feeling hen-pecked? Chinese company allows staff to wear masks at work to help them deal with stress
A company in Hangzhou, eastern China, has allowed its staff to wear masks at work to help them feel more confident while dealing with demanding bosses.
Employees were seen donning various kinds of headgears, which ranged from a Venetian mask to a quirky hen-shaped mask, on the company's 'De-stress Day' last week.
Managers of the firm hope the novel idea can help staff feel more relaxed at work, especially when they are required to present ideas in front of colleagues and supervisors
The unusual scene was captured on September 23 in Songcheng Performance Development Company, which operates a large movie theme park in Zhejiang province.
All staff were allowed to wear headdresses of their choices when they worked at desk and attended meetings.
It is thought masks can conceal employees' emotion, thus make them feel more comfortable while speaking up in front of colleagues and supervisors.
In addition, for junior employees, they were more likely to share opinions because they wouldn't recognise their bosses.
A manager of the company confirm the thought.
The unnamed manage told Chinese media that meetings were much more constructive on that day as employees appeared to be more outspoken behind masks.
A pillow fight was also organised during the lunch hour to help staff reduce stress.
The event organiser said: 'Through this activity, our employees could hopefully restore the balance between work and leisure.
'This can also help them reduce pressure at work.'
The online community in China seemed to have divided opinion on the event.
One Weibo user said: 'Why doesn't the company just give their employees another day off instead?'
While another online user commented: 'It is quite good to hide their faces.
'The leaders do not have to show any emotions when they have meetings. They can just have a poker face.'
©Exclusivepix Media