Insta360 Rewards Employee with $2,800 for 20kg Weight Loss in Company-Wide Challenge
SUZHOU, CHINA – Action camera maker Arashi Vision Inc., operating under the brand Insta360, is incentivizing employee wellness with a substantial financial reward system. The company recently concluded a round of it’s annual “Million Yuan Weight Loss challenge,” awarding one employee $2,800 (20,000 yuan) for losing 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) over 90 days.
Launched on August 12th, the challenge boasts a total prize pool of one million yuan (roughly $140,000 USD).Insta360 has run the program multiple times since 2022, aiming to foster healthier lifestyles among its staff through exercise and dietary changes.Dozens of employees participated in this year’s iteration.
The program operates on a straightforward system: participants receive 500 yuan (around $70 USD) for every 0.5kg (1.1 pounds) of weight lost. A penalty of 800 yuan (approximately $112 USD) per 0.5kg applies for any weight regained, though the company reports no fines have been levied to date.
Since its inception, Insta360 has held seven rounds of the challenge, distributing nearly 2 million yuan ($280,000 USD) in total rewards. in 2023 alone, 99 employees collectively lost 950kg (over 2,094 pounds) and shared a one million yuan prize pool.
This year’s “Weight Loss Champion,” 20-something employee Xie Yaqi, attributed her success to discipline. “I believe this is the best time in my life to become the best version of myself. It’s not just about beauty – it’s about health,” Xie stated. She achieved her results through a strict diet and 1.5 hours of daily exercise, and also shared the “Qin Hao method” – a diet plan used by Chinese actor Qin Hao involving alternating days of soy milk, corn, fruits, proteins, and vegetables – with colleagues.
A company representative emphasized the program’s broader goals, stating, “Through this challenge, we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage our employees to prioritize their well-being beyond work. It serves as a positive incentive for them to engage with life and work with renewed enthusiasm.”
The initiative also aligns with a national health drive in china. In June 2024, the National Health Commission and 16 other departments launched the “Weight management Year,” a three-year campaign focused on promoting scientific fitness and healthy eating habits nationwide.