Forget ’employee of the month’. Try ’employer of the century’…
Li Jin Yuan is a Chinese billionaire philanthropist best known as the chairman, owner and operator of the Tiens Group, China’s largest multinational company specialising in Biotech, property, and retail.
Once a year the eccentric boss takes a huge chunk of his staff on a full paid annual holiday to Europe. This year some 2,500 of his employees will be hitting Spain for a week of unwinding in the sun.
The Global Times, a Communist party tabloid in China, has praised the efforts of the CEO as “generous” and “extravagant”, claiming he has set an example all other employers should follow.
Li Zongmin, the magnate’s son and a Tiens vice-president, said:
“We chose Spain because the people are warm, friendly and passionate. Furthermore, the food is delicious.”
Last year, Jinyuan sent 6,400 of his employees on an all expenses paid trip to the south of France, probably for similar relaxation-based reasons.
For the France trip, the billionaire used 84 planes, 200 hotels and a private tour of the Louvre to win over his staff.
His Spanish trip is expected to be just as obscene – so far the group has attended a “bloodless bullfight” preceded by a flamenco dancing display – and they’re only half way through the week!
Now, what’s the best way to ask your boss about doing something similar?
