Introduction

In a bold move reflecting the rapidly evolving world of the restaurant industry, Haidilao, the popular Chinese hotpot chain, has found itself at the center of controversy after a video surfaced of a waitress performing the viral song 'APT' by Rosé and Bruno Mars at the Uniwalk Center location in Shenzhen.

The Shift in Expectations

Traditionally known for its engaging dining experience, where staff are not only waiters but also entertainers, Haidilao has long required employees to master skills like noodle-pulling, singing, and dancing. However, social media users were taken aback to discover that the pressures have intensified, with waitstaff now expected to keep up with the latest viral trends.

Public Reaction

One Facebook user, who shared the clip, questioned, 'Is Haidilao getting so competitive now? I thought they only sang Happy Birthday songs and pulled noodles; now they even have to dance to 'APT'.' This sentiment resonated widely, leading many other commenters to express their disapproval of what they perceive to be exploitative labor practices.

Concerns from Employees

Echoing this sentiment, a user who claimed to have applied for a position at Haidilao complained about the demanding labor expectations. They alleged that employees work grueling 12 to 13-hour shifts while earning a meager salary of 5400 yuan (approximately USD 800) a month, with only one day off each week. After taxes, this leaves staff with a take-home pay of about 4400 yuan (around USD 620).

Aspirational Employee Pledge

Moreover, prospective employees must sign an employee pledge filled with aspirational statements, such as 'I swear I will work hard because I hope for a better tomorrow' and 'I am willing to humbly accept all criticism because we need to succeed too badly.' While some defend the working conditions by stating that many employees might receive overtime pay and bonuses, the discourse has shifted to raising awareness about the potential mental and physical toll this high-pressure environment can have on staff.

Conclusion

As the story continues to develop, it raises questions about the sustainability of such labor practices in the competitive restaurant industry and whether customer preferences for entertainment will keep pushing the limits of employee welfare. Could Haidilao's strategy backfire, leading to high employee turnover and negative public perception? Or will they find a balance between entertainment value and employee satisfaction? Only time will tell.