Indian salon YesMadam's stress survey leads to layoffs, leaked email circulates online

YesMadam fires employees who reported stress in a survey, sparking backlash and raising questions on workplace culture

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YesMadam, an India-based salon home service startup, is under fire after allegedly firing employees who reported significant stress in a company-conducted survey.

The controversy erupted when a screenshot of an email, reportedly from the company’s HR manager, went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.

The email, which has not been independently verified, revealed that YesMadam had conducted an internal survey to assess employees' stress levels. The results led to the decision to terminate those employees who indicated high levels of stress.

The email, which has since been widely circulated, stated:

"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."

The tone of the email, coupled with the decision to terminate employees instead of addressing their concerns, has sparked backlash. Social media users have called the move counterproductive,

with many questioning the company's approach to employee well-being. Some users found it ironic that a company trying to promote a healthy work environment would fire employees for reporting stress.

The incident quickly gained traction when Shitiz Dogra, Associate Director of Indian Marketing Agency, shared the email on his LinkedIn, asking, “Can an organization fire you for being stressed?” His post quickly went viral, with many sharing their disbelief over the company’s decision.

YesMadam has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, and it remains unclear whether the email is authentic.