Experiencing pressure at work is common, but employment provides financial security, which typically eases stress. However, unexpectedly losing a job can exacerbate stress, something that apparently did not deter one firm from dismissing employees who acknowledged feeling stressed.

The company at the center of this controversy is Yes Madam, an Indian organization that provides beauty and salon services at home.

A Yes Madam employee shared the email on LinkedIn, where the HR Manager highlighted the purpose of the survey: to gauge employees’ feelings about stress at work.

The email stated, “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.”

One might anticipate the company to offer support for mental health or alternative stress-relief measures.

Instead, the email announced, “To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress.” The decision was to take immediate effect, with further details to be provided to affected employees.

An image of the email was posted online by Anushka, a UX Copywriter at the company, who expressed disbelief, stating, “What’s happening at YesMadam? First you conduct a random survey and then fire us overnight because we’re feeling stressed?”

Anushka further claimed that ‘100 other people’ had also been dismissed.

The email quickly garnered online attention, with readers expressing shock and describing it as indicative of a ‘toxic work culture.’ Some questioned the authenticity of the email, speculating it might be a ‘PR stunt.’

As of December 9, Yes Madam has not provided any official comment on the leaked email, though Anushka’s post suggests it’s genuine.

The email was also shared on Reddit, where one user labeled feedback forms like the one from Yes Madam as a ‘trap,’ advising against completing them unless necessary.