By IBTeam YesMadam, a Noida-based startup renowned for its home salon services and a former participant on Shark Tank India, is at the center of controversy after reportedly terminating over 100 employees in the wake of a workplace mental health survey. The decision, communicated via an email from the HR department, has sparked widespread outrage and ethical concerns, shedding light on the startup’s approach to handling employee well-being.
The Survey and Its Fallout
The controversy began when YesMadam conducted a workplace mental health survey aimed at understanding employee stress levels. However, instead of addressing the concerns raised, the company reportedly terminated employees who admitted to experiencing significant stress.
According to a former employee, the move was abrupt and unexpected. “What’s happening at YesMadam? First, you conduct a random survey and then fire us overnight because we’re feeling stressed? And not just me — 100 other people have been fired too,” shared one of the terminated staff members.
Former UX copywriter Anushka Dutta shared a screenshot of the termination email on social media, amplifying the criticism. The email initially seemed supportive, stating, “Recently, we conducted a survey to understand your feelings about stress at work. Many of you shared your concerns, which we deeply value and respect.” However, the tone soon shifted, with HR Manager Ashu Arora Jha announcing:
“To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress.”
The terminations were described as “effective immediately,” with further details promised to the affected employees.
Backlash and Ethical Concerns
The decision has faced severe backlash, with critics accusing YesMadam of prioritizing a quick fix over genuine solutions to workplace stress. Many questioned the ethics of terminating employees for sharing their struggles instead of addressing the root causes of stress.
One critic commented, “Firing employees for reporting stress isn’t just ironic—it’s a complete disregard for employee well-being. Instead of addressing the causes of stress, this sends a clear message: ‘Your mental health isn’t our concern.’ Companies need to prioritize solutions, not silencing employees.”
Speculation Over Motives
Some have speculated whether the move was a poorly conceived marketing stunt gone awry. A user remarked, “If this is a marketing strategy, it’s backfired horribly. If it isn’t, then it’s an alarming display of mismanagement. Either way, YesMadam won’t escape the fallout.”
Betrayal of Employee Trust
Many expressed disappointment over the company’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the betrayal felt by employees who opened up about their struggles. “This is heartbreaking. Imagine finally being honest about your stress and instead of support, you’re fired. It’s the worst possible response to a mental health survey,” shared another commentator.
A Larger Conversation on Workplace Ethics
This incident has ignited a broader debate about workplace ethics and the responsibilities of employers in fostering mental health. Critics have called for more empathetic approaches to managing employee well-being, emphasizing the need for companies to adopt genuine, supportive measures rather than punitive actions.
While YesMadam has not yet issued a formal statement, the public outcry continues to grow, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace accountability and compassion. The incident highlights the need for companies to balance productivity with ethical responsibility, especially when it comes to employee mental health.
Conclusion
The fallout from YesMadam’s decision underscores a critical issue in modern workplaces: the need for organizations to prioritize mental health and well-being genuinely. As the conversation around this incident gains momentum, it remains to be seen how YesMadam will respond and whether this will serve as a wake-up call for businesses to rethink their approach to employee welfare.