In an incident that has sparked widespread criticism, YesMadam, a grooming and beauty services company, reportedly terminated the employment of 100 workers who admitted experiencing stress at work. This decision followed the company’s internal stress survey aimed at assessing the mental health of employees.
The survey, ostensibly conducted to create a healthier work environment, asked employees to share their honest feelings about workplace stress. In an email signed by HR Manager Ashu Arora Jha, the company acknowledged the feedback received from the team, emphasizing its commitment to addressing stress concerns.
However, the company’s resolution took an unexpected turn. Instead of introducing measures to alleviate stress, YesMadam decided to “part ways with employees who indicated significant stress.” The email described this move as necessary to “ensure no one remains stressed at work.” The terminations were effective immediately, with the impacted employees being informed separately.
The response to this decision has been swift and critical. Industry experts and employee rights advocates have condemned the move as a betrayal of trust, arguing that it discourages employees from speaking up about their mental health in the future. Social media users have also called out the company for prioritizing operational convenience over employee well-being.
“Stress surveys are supposed to help employers identify and address issues—not penalize employees for being honest,” said one workplace psychologist.Former employees of YesMadam expressed shock and disappointment over the decision. Some described the move as “tone-deaf” and “damaging to the company’s credibility,” especially in an era when workplace mental health is gaining significant attention.
As of now, YesMadam has not issued a public statement beyond the internal email. The incident has raised questions about how companies approach mental health initiatives and the ethical responsibility of employers in fostering supportive workplaces.
The situation remains under scrutiny, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from corporate leaders.
