Full Breakdown
Chinese Hot-Pot Owner Gifts BMWs to Two Workers After Seeing Their Cold-Weather Scooters
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Ma Yanli runs a beef hot-pot restaurant chain headquartered in Jiaozuo, Henan province. During the previous winter she observed that several staff members travelled to work on electric scooters despite bitter wind and low temperatures. One employee, Li Jie, arrived with a flushed face, purple-tinged ears and stiff hands, prompting Ma to compare the employee’s hardship with her own comfortable car commute. The observation led her to consider a more substantial form of employee appreciation than the usual cash bonuses or festival gifts common in parts of China.
Key Figures
- Ma Yanli – Owner of the beef hot-pot chain in Jiaozuo, Henan.
- Li Jie – Long-time employee (eight years) who regularly rode an electric scooter to work.
- Liu Yingying – Employee recognized for strong performance and also given a car.
Event Details
On September 24, Ma took a group of workers to a BMW showroom under the pretext of a meeting. While at the dealership the two selected employees learned they were each being presented with a brand-new BMW. The vehicles were purchased by Ma roughly two weeks earlier, with the full purchase price paid in advance, according to Henan TV. Neither employee was required to contribute financially or sign any agreement; the cars were registered in their names on the day of delivery.
Data & Statistics
- Each BMW was priced at about 300,000 yuan, which translates to roughly Rs 43 lakh (approximately Rs 43.2 lakh in some reports).
- The gifts were presented to two employees, Li Jie and Liu Yingying, out of a larger staff whose exact number is not disclosed.
Official Statements & Responses
Ma explained that the gesture was intended to alleviate the physical discomfort her staff endured during cold-weather commutes. Li Jie expressed surprise and excitement, describing the gift as a “big toy” and noting that she had not anticipated such a reward. Liu Yingying echoed the sentiment, saying her hard work and excellent performance justified the car.
On-the-Ground Reactions
The surprise was widely shared on Chinese social media, where many users praised Ma’s generosity and concern for staff welfare. Observers highlighted the rarity of such high-value rewards in typical workplace settings and used the story to discuss broader ideas about employee recognition and well-being.
Why It Matters
The incident illustrates an unconventional approach to employee appreciation in China, where some business owners provide substantial material benefits beyond standard bonuses. By directly addressing a practical hardship—cold, uncomfortable commutes—Ma’s gifts sparked conversation about the role of employer-provided welfare in employee motivation and loyalty. The story also underscores how visible acts of generosity can shape public perception of corporate culture, potentially influencing other firms to consider more tangible forms of reward.