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Noida-based Startup YesMadam Fires Over 100 Employees After Stress Survey, HR Email Goes Viral

• ByStartupStory     |    December 10, 2024

YesMadam, a Noida-based startup, is facing severe backlash after it reportedly terminated over 100 employees based on the results of a workplace stress survey. A viral email from the company’s HR department, which has been circulating on social media, has drawn criticism for its direct approach and the rationale behind the layoffs.

The controversy began when YesMadam, known for its at-home salon services, conducted a survey to gauge stress levels among employees. Instead of implementing measures to address the concerns raised, the company chose to part ways with those identified as experiencing significant stress.

Viral Email Sparks Outrage

A screenshot of the HR email detailing the decision was shared by Anushka Dutta, a former UX copywriter at YesMadam. The email reads:

“Dear Team,
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.
As a company committed to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment, we have carefully considered the feedback. 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.
Thank you for your contributions.
Best regards,
HR Manager, YesMadam”

Employees Express Frustration

One of the affected employees voiced their disappointment, saying:

“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.”

The decision has been widely criticized for being insensitive and counterproductive. Critics argue that such actions not only fail to support employees but also exacerbate the challenges faced by those already under stress.

Industry Reaction

Shitiz Dogra, Associate Director of Digital Marketing at IndiGo, highlighted the issue on LinkedIn, stating:

“Can an organization fire you for being stressed? Looks like it just happened at a startup – YesMadam.”

The move has also been the subject of widespread ridicule online. One social media user commented:

“The most bizarre layoffs: YesMadam conducts stress survey at work. Employees who say they are stressed are fired.”

Another user remarked:

“So, recently a startup named YesMadam sent out a survey to team members on how stressed they are AND? Guess what, fired the ones who had voted they are under extreme stress.”

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