A recent email from an Indian company, YesMadam, has sparked outrage on social media, alleging the firm terminated employees who reported high-stress levels at work. The email, purportedly sent by the company's HR department, thanked employees for participating in a survey to gauge their emotional well-being.
"To ensure no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress," read the email, which quickly went viral online. Allegations of immediate termination left netizens enraged, with many criticizing the company's approach to handling workplace stress.
As backlash mounted, YesMadam issued a statement on Instagram (@yesmadam_official), clarifying that the employees in question were not fired but encouraged to take a break. The company explained that those who reported feeling overwhelmed were given time to rest and recharge.
"They were encouraged to release their stress and offered a chance to relax. They weren't sacked, they were urged to rest and recharge," the statement read.
YesMadam further highlighted new measures introduced to support employees' mental health. These include six days of paid leave annually specifically for de-stressing, alongside a complimentary YesMadam Spa session at home.
In the statement, YesMadam also apologized for the misunderstanding caused by the initial email. The company acknowledged the distress it had triggered and thanked the public for their feedback.
"When people speak up, it shows they care and care is at the heart of our business," the statement concluded, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being.
While the companies' clarification has somewhat softened the criticism, the incident has reignited conversations about workplace mental health and the responsibility of employers to foster a supportive environment.