The Alleged Incident: When Mental Health Feedback Met Termination Notices

A recent controversy involving YesMadam, a home salon and wellness platform, has ignited debates on workplace ethics and employee well-being. An internal email, allegedly from the company’s HR Manager, Ashu Arora Jha, went viral for all the wrong reasons. According to the email, workers who reported stress in a company-wide mental health survey were fired right away.

According to the now-viral email:

We recently carried out a poll to find out how you feel about work-related stress. We greatly appreciate and respect the concerns that many of you expressed. To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress. This decision is effective immediately and impacted employees will receive further details separately.”

This supposed attempt to “solve” workplace stress by firing those who reported it has shocked many. The email caused a stir, with many accusing it of being not only ineffective but also essentially immoral.

Social Media Backlash: A Public Relations Nightmare for YesMadam

When the email surfaced on social media, professionals from various industries were quick to voice their disdain. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter saw a wave of sarcastic and outraged comments.

One industry professional humorously referred to it as a "groundbreaking initiative for employee mental health," while others condemned the action as "inhumane" and emblematic of a "toxic corporate culture."

The significant criticism highlights an increasing expectation for organizations to implement authentic measures aimed at enhancing employee well-being rather than penalizing those who openly acknowledge their struggles. For many, this incident serves as a concerning illustration of corporate insensitivity towards mental health issues.

A Former Employee’s Perspective: Punished for Honesty

Anushka Dutta, a former UX copywriter at YesMadam, added credibility to the controversy by sharing her personal experience on LinkedIn. According to her post, she was among the employees who lost their jobs after participating in the stress survey.

Dutta’s account read:

“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.”

If Dutta’s statement is accurate, it portrays a chilling scenario where honesty and transparency are met with termination rather than support. This approach contradicts the principles of ethical employee management and mental health support.

Why This Matters: Lessons in Workplace Ethics and Employee Support

This incident serves as a stark reminder for companies about the right way to handle employee well-being. Mental health surveys should be tools for improvement, not instruments of punishment. To build a supportive workplace, companies need to adopt several key practices:

Active Listening and Practical Solutions: When employees express concerns, leadership should introduce programs like counseling services, flexible hours, or workload adjustments to address those issues.

Trust and Safety: Employees should feel safe and confident that sharing their struggles won’t lead to adverse consequences. Fostering an open culture where feedback is valued is essential.

Invest in Mental Health Resources: Instead of penalizing employees who admit to stress, companies should invest in well-being programs to help them cope. Mental health workshops, therapy access, and stress management training can make a huge difference.

Transparent Communication: Clear, empathetic communication from leadership helps build trust. If decisions must be made, employees deserve to understand the reasoning and have a voice in the process.

The Bigger Picture: Mental Health in India’s Fast-Paced Corporate World

This controversy sheds light on a larger problem within India’s startup and corporate ecosystems. As companies strive for rapid growth, employee mental health often becomes a secondary concern. However, ignoring stress and burnout can backfire, leading to higher attrition rates, lower productivity, and negative public perception.

Companies that support mental health create stronger, more loyal teams. Organizations like YesMadam must understand that genuine care for employees is not optional — it’s crucial for long-term success. Those who fail to recognize this shift risk falling behind.

Awaiting a Response: YesMadam’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Despite the widespread backlash, YesMadam has yet to issue an official response or clarification. Whether the email is authentic or not, the lack of communication is damaging their credibility further. For the sake of transparency and accountability, a clear statement is necessary to address these serious allegations.

Final Takeaway: A Culture of Support Over Suppression

Employee well-being is not just a corporate responsibility; it’s a cornerstone of ethical business practices. Companies must choose support over suppression and empathy over expediency. Mental health initiatives should empower employees to speak openly and seek help, not fear for their livelihoods.

Ultimately, a workplace that values and supports its employees will always outperform one that punishes honesty.