YesMadam, a home salon startup in Noida, India, is embroiled in controversy after allegedly laying off over 100 employees, including UX Copywriter Anushka Dutta. The layoffs followed a survey on employee stress levels. HR Manager Ashu Arora Jha justified the decision by stating that employees indicating significant stress were let go to “ensure no one remains stressed at work.” This abrupt action has sparked widespread criticism regarding its ethics.
Layoffs Spark Outrage
YesMadam has faced backlash after terminating over 100 employees in a single day, shortly after conducting a survey to gauge stress and job satisfaction. In an email to staff, HR Manager Ashu Arora Jha stated, “To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress.”Anushka Dutta, a UX Copywriter among those laid off, expressed her frustration on LinkedIn: “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.” This sentiment resonated widely on social media.
The layoffs have raised serious concerns about the company’s treatment of its workforce. Reports indicate that the dismissals were abrupt and lacked transparency, leaving many feeling blindsided and undervalued. As news of the situation spread, it ignited discussions about corporate responsibility and employee welfare.
Dangerous Precedent
YesMadam’s actions highlight a troubling trend that could have lasting consequences for workplace culture. Surveys are meant to address employee concerns, not serve as justification for punitive measures. By using a stress survey as grounds for layoffs, YesMadam risks undermining organizational trust.
If this approach becomes common, employees may hesitate to voice concerns or participate in surveys due to fear of retribution. This could lead to an environment where silence is equated with safety, stifling innovation and collaboration.
Company fires 50% of their employees who reported being stressed at work
byu/thatweirdchick98 inantiwork
Ethical Responsibilities
At the core of this controversy lies the ethical responsibility of organizations. Surveys should facilitate growth and problem-solving rather than be used as tools for punishment. Penalizing employees for expressing vulnerability contradicts principles of transparency and empathy while eroding trust—the foundation of any successful organization.
Experts warn that using employee feedback as grounds for termination can foster a toxic workplace culture where fear prevails over openness. If companies weaponize feedback mechanisms, employees will feel unsafe sharing their honest opinions.
Mental Health Insights
Mental health experts emphasize the importance of supporting employee well-being during organizational changes. Studies show that 76% of workers report increased stress related to their jobs, especially following layoffs or job insecurity. Remaining employees often experience heightened anxiety due to increased workloads and survivor guilt. Dr. Serena Haththotuwa notes that staff may face burnout as they take on additional responsibilities left by departed colleagues. Furthermore, only 10% of UK workers feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with their managers, highlighting a significant barrier to addressing these challenges openly.
Experts recommend implementing mental health resources and fostering an environment where employees feel safe discussing their struggles. Establishing support systems can help mitigate feelings of isolation and anxiety among staff who remain after layoffs.
Balancing Business and Empathy
YesMadam’s layoffs occur amid broader job cuts across various industries in India, particularly in tech and services where thousands have lost jobs this year due to economic pressures. While companies face legitimate financial challenges, they must balance protecting their bottom line with valuing their workforce.
Organizations should approach stress management with compassion by offering resources and support rather than dismissing employees outright. Creating safe spaces for dialogue and investing in mental health initiatives can foster trust and resilience within teams.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that every employee deserves respect and dignity in their workplace. The recent mass layoffs at YesMadam underscore the urgent need for companies to cultivate a culture of empathy and transparency. Organizations must engage meaningfully with their workforce rather than resorting to abrupt terminations that leave employees feeling discarded. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities companies hold toward their employees, especially in times of financial strain.
The outrage surrounding YesMadam’s actions is a wake-up call for businesses everywhere: employees are more than just resources—they are the backbone of any organization. To ensure sustainable success, companies must prioritize ethical practices rooted in respect and transparency. How can we collectively push for better practices in our workplaces? We invite you to share your thoughts on fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
