A Chinese restaurant owner, Ma Yanli, has gained widespread attention for her remarkable generosity, gifting two of her top employees brand-new BMWs. The proprietor of a beef hotpot chain, headquartered in Jiaozuo, Henan province, made this extravagant gesture after observing her staff's arduous commutes during the freezing winter months.
A Boss's Empathy Leads to Luxury
The inspiration for the gift struck Ma last winter. She recalled an early morning when Li Jie, an employee who had worked at the restaurant for eight years, arrived with her face flushed and ears purple from the cold, her hands stiff from riding an electric scooter in the bitter wind. Ma, reflecting on her own warm commute, realized her employees deserved similar comfort.
“I said to myself, I can sit in my car and enjoy warmth and convenience during transportation. Why can’t she?” Ma recounted.
On September 24, Ma took Li Jie to a BMW showroom. Li, initially thinking her boss was gifting her “a big toy,” was overwhelmed to learn a brand-new white BMW, valued at 300,000 yuan (approximately US$45,000), was being registered in her name, free of charge and without any contractual obligation.
Sharing the Company's Success
Ma Yanli emphasized that her company's prosperity was a collective achievement. “I have achieved success in my career. But my company’s prosperity is attributed to the collective efforts of all my employees. So I must let my workers also benefit from the success of my company,” she stated, drawing on her two decades of experience in the catering industry.
Another dedicated employee, Liu Yingying, also received a new grey BMW. Liu shared her boss's words: “My boss told me you work hard and your performance is excellent. You deserve this car.”
Beyond the BMWs: A Culture of Generosity
This act of kindness is not an isolated incident for Ma Yanli. She regularly provides her staff with daily essentials and cash bonuses during traditional Chinese festivals. Her approach reflects a growing trend among some Chinese business leaders who believe in generously rewarding their workforce.
One notable example is Cui Peijun, chairman of Henan Kuangshan Crane Company, nicknamed “the boss who loves distributing money most.” Cui once distributed 180 million yuan (US$27 million) in bonuses before the Spring Festival and offers 800 yuan to each female employee on International Women’s Day. He also provides a 1,000 yuan “grain reaper subsidy” to rural workers in August to assist with harvesting family crops. These stories highlight a business philosophy where employee welfare is deeply intertwined with company success.