Indian firm denies firing stressed employees, clarifies leaked HR email were part of planned campaign

INDIA: YesMadam, a Noida-based company offering home salon services, has come under fire online after reports emerged claiming it terminated over 100 employees based on a workplace stress survey.

A leaked email, shared on LinkedIn and allegedly from its HR department, stated that employees who reported high stress levels in the survey were let go “to ensure no one remains stressed at work.”

In the latest development, the company apologised for the “distress” caused by the email and clarified that the viral social media posts were part of a planned campaign aimed at raising awareness about the “serious issue of workplace stress.”

A screenshot of the email, widely shared on LinkedIn on Monday (9 December), purportedly showed the HR manager informing staff that employees who reported significant stress in a company survey would be laid off.

“To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress,” stated the email.

It also said, “This decision is effective immediately, and impacted employees will receive further details separately. Thank you for your contribution.”

Social Media Outrage Over Leaked HR Email

The email sparked outrage on social media, with many criticising the company’s approach.

A LinkedIn user sarcastically remarked, “Do employees have to stress about not showing stress? ” “It seems we’ve entered the era of ‘pretend stress-free’—smile through the chaos or risk an email with your name on it.”

The All India Employee Association also commented, “People are taking undue advantage nowadays due to loopholes in the system. If you cannot pay, don’t hire. If you cannot ensure a healthy workplace environment, don’t hire. Do not mentally harass employees.”

Several users called on the Ministry of Labour and Employment to investigate whether unethical retrenchment practices were involved.

Company Issues Clarification

Following the backlash, YesMadam issued a three-page statement on Tuesday, denying the allegations.

The company claimed that no employee had been fired for being stressed at work and that the viral posts were part of a campaign to highlight workplace stress.

The statement explained that employees who reported high stress levels were encouraged to take a break to rest, recharge, and release their stress.

YesMadam also announced the launch of its ‘Happy 2 Heal’ corporate programme, which includes head massages and spa sessions at the workplace.

Additionally, the company introduced a ‘De-Stress Leave’ policy, granting six paid de-stress leave days annually, along with complimentary at-home spa services.

LinkedIn Users Remain Skeptical, Criticising the Campaign as a Poorly Executed PR Stunt

Despite the company’s clarification, LinkedIn users continued to express disappointment, labelling the campaign a failed marketing attempt.

Some comments criticise YesMadam’s PR stunt, sarcastically suggesting that those who approved it might be facing stress themselves after the backlash. Another comment advises acknowledging the mistake, learning from the feedback, and refraining from firing anyone.

User Slams Campaign for Exploiting Layoff Issue, Accusing It of Ethical Insensitivity

Another LinkedIn user criticised the campaign as tone-deaf and irresponsible for using the sensitive issue of layoffs to promote a product, accusing it of trivialising the struggles of those genuinely affected.

She also condemned both the brand and influencers who supported the campaign for crossing ethical boundaries, describing it as insensitive and frustrating.

A user criticised YesMadam’s statement as insincere, claiming that the company’s attempt to reframe the firing of employees as a “planned effort to highlight workplace stress” was a cover-up.

He argued that the company’s actions and excuses undermined trust, and called for a genuine commitment to employee well-being and a supportive work environment, rather than using the situation as a PR tactic.