A startling incident in a Delhi startup has ignited conversation across India: a newly joined employee walked out on his first day at work, citing no specific reason but making headlines for prompting discussion on mental health and workplace culture.
The unidentified individual quietly left during his lunch break, ignoring calls from HR before briefly responding, “I cannot work here.” The episode, which unfolded in August 2025, rapidly went viral, drawing attention from professionals, HR experts, and everyday workers.
An Unusual Resignation Catches India’s Attention
On his first day at a Delhi-based startup, the new recruit completed a few hours of work and, without notifying anyone, walked out during lunch. He left behind his company-issued laptop and did not respond to calls from colleagues or managers.
Eventually, he informed HR he would not be returning, without offering further explanation. The story gained immediate traction on social media, after a friend posted about the incident on X (formerly Twitter). The tale resonated with countless Indians who shared memories of their own hasty workplace exits, and with those who empathise with the pressures of adaptation, especially in fast-paced startup environments.
Social Media Reactions: Solidarity and Humour
The viral incident garnered a flood of responses, many of them supportive or humorous, underscoring how common such experiences have become, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Reaction threads were filled with similar anecdotes: “I left one of my jobs in a week, texted them on WhatsApp after taking a two-day ‘leave’ and then ghosted them,” one person wrote.
Others lauded the employee’s courage, with comments like, “Everyone should have the courage to protect their mental peace.” Even small moments, such as the simple act of leaving a laptop behind, became symbols of silent resistance to workplace rigidity. While some attributed the event to culture shock or a toxic environment, others viewed it as a bold step for personal well-being.
Work Culture, Early Attrition, and Mental Health
The phenomenon of “early attrition”, employees quitting within days or weeks, is increasingly recognised in the Indian workplace, particularly in startups where expectations and reality may clash sharply. HR professionals pointed out that while the departure was dramatic, it highlighted a trend.
Employees today are less willing to compromise on emotional and psychological health even if it means giving up job security. Young professionals are calling for more transparent onboarding, upfront role discussions, and an empathetic approach from management. Many believe the story’s virality indicates a collective yearning for work cultures that prioritise humanity over profit and flexibility over rigid expectations.
Indian work culture is fast evolving, with younger professionals increasingly prioritising flexibility, wellness benefits, and meaningful work over mere job security. As startups and established firms adopt flatter hierarchies, post-pandemic hybrid work models, and mental health initiatives, both employees and management must learn to thrive in a landscape shaped by diversity, adaptability, and open dialogue.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This story serves as a meaningful reminder to employers everywhere: a thriving organisation starts with a supportive, transparent, and empathetic workplace culture.
Employee well-being should never be an afterthought, it is key to productivity and retention. The Logical Indian urges companies, especially startups, to see this as an opportunity for introspection and reform.
A friend told me about this guy who joined a startup here in Delhi. On his very first day, he left his laptop on his desk during lunch and just never came back. He ignored everyone’s calls initially but later picked up HR’s, and just said he cannot work there 😭
— Poan Sapdi (@Poan__Sapdi) August 19, 2025
