The Noida-based at-home beauty services startup, YesMadam, has finally broken its silence after facing intense backlash over alleged mass layoffs linked to a workplace stress survey. In a detailed LinkedIn post, the company denied firing employees and called the viral claims a "planned effort to highlight the issue of workplace stress."
TICE explains the whole controversy here!
What Sparked the Outrage?
The controversy began when a viral email and LinkedIn post alleged that YesMadam had terminated over 100 employees who reported high stress levels in an internal survey. The purported HR email stated that the move was aimed at ensuring a stress-free workplace, sparking outrage and ridicule on social media.
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However, in a new twist, YesMadam has clarified that no employees were fired and that the incident was a misunderstanding. The company’s post emphasized its commitment to employee welfare and stated that its team is “like family.”
YesMadam’s Official Response
In its LinkedIn statement, YesMadam addressed the allegations head-on, stating:
"We sincerely apologize for any distress caused by recent social media posts suggesting we dismissed employees for being stressed. Let us be clear: we would never take such an inhuman step."
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The company clarified that the social media posts and email were part of an internal awareness campaign to highlight workplace stress and start a conversation about mental health. Instead of layoffs, the company claims that employees were given breaks to recharge and relax.
Social Media Backlash and Public Sentiment
Despite the clarification, public reactions remain mixed. While some users applauded the company for addressing workplace stress and clarifying the issue, others questioned the timing and execution of the campaign, calling it a "PR blunder."
One user commented:
"If this was a planned campaign, why wasn’t it communicated better? The initial outrage could have been avoided."
Others have expressed skepticism, with some suggesting the clarification is an attempt at damage control after the viral backlash.
Celebrity-Backed Brand Under Scrutiny
YesMadam, which has enjoyed endorsements from Bollywood celebrities like Shraddha Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty, finds itself under scrutiny. Many believe the controversy could tarnish its brand image unless the company takes concrete steps to rebuild trust.
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The Broader Implications for Startups
This incident sheds light on how startups handle workplace culture and employee well-being. In an ecosystem where startups are often seen as more agile and empathetic workplaces, controversies like this serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear communication and transparency.
As YesMadam works to control the narrative, the startup world is watching closely. Will this clarification be enough to regain public trust? Or will this serve as a lesson for companies about the risks of mishandling sensitive issues?
Stay tuned as TICE continues to track this unfolding story.
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