Legal Analysis: Heytea's Military-Style Orientation Training May Exceed Legal Boundaries of Corporate Management, Lawyer Points Out Low Relevance of Collecting Phones and Folding 'Tofu Blocks' to Job Skills

According to Sina Finance on August 11, 2026, legal experts analyzing Heytea's military-style orientation training pointed out that company rules such as mandatory collection of phones, silence during meals, and folding 'tofu blocks' in dormitory chores have low relevance to the core skills of making milk tea and customer service, and are closer to behavioral control and obedience testing, potentially exceeding reasonable management limits. The report cites a similar case in Guangzhou where the court ruled that a company's practice of punishing employees under the guise of training was illegal, awarding over 87,000 yuan in compensation. Legal experts suggest that workers facing such situations can retain training notices and on-site records and file complaints with labor inspection authorities or apply for arbitration.