In an unusual case of workplace misconduct, a 55-year-old supervisor in Matsuyama City, Japan, has been dismissed from his job after it was discovered he had visited the gym 633 times during work hours.

The man, employed at Matsuyama City’s Urban Development Division, often left work to attend gym sessions. The truth came to light after an anonymous tip prompted an investigation by the city government.

The inquiry revealed that since April 2021, he had spent a total of 658 work hours at the gym, missing significant time from his duties.

When confronted, the man admitted to his actions, explaining his frequent gym visits were an attempt to manage health issues.

 “I had numbness in my arms, so I went to the gym to stretch. After that, I’d soak in the hot spring bath to further soothe my arms. I went too far and regret it,” he said.

The supervisor was fired on December 27, 2024. In addition, he was ordered to repay ¥1.76 million (approximately RM50,000) for the lost work hours. He accepted the financial penalty without protest.

His actions also led to disciplinary measures for four of his superiors, who received stern warnings for failing to supervise him effectively.

Following the incident, Matsuyama City's mayor issued a public apology, assuring residents that measures would be taken to prevent similar situations in the future.

This unusual story highlights the importance of maintaining workplace ethics—and knowing when to draw the line, even for self-care routines.

Source: Japan Today