At-home beauty services startup YesMadam caused a stir on social media after a screenshot purportedly showing the company firing a stressed-out employee went viral. A screenshot of the alleged email was first shared by a copywriter who works at YesMadam.

“What’s happening at YesMadam? First you do a sample survey and then fire us overnight because we feel stressed? And not just me, 100 other people were also fired,” Anushka Dutta wrote on LinkedIn.

Yes, madam breaks the silence

After a day of massive outrage over the insensitive move, the company released a three-page statement clarifying that it was all part of a company program launched to highlight the importance of employee well-being. It turns out that employees were not laid off, but instead were given a break to reset and encouraged to de-stress, rest and recharge.

(Also Read: YesMadam breaks silence amid social media storm over viral email: ‘No one was fired’)

Hours later, Anushka Dutta also shared an update on her LinkedIn account explaining her side of the story. “Everyone is curious about what really happened at YesMadam, I am revealing the facts here. Yes, the survey actually took place, I actually participated in the survey voluntarily and was part of the core team that came up with the idea of ​​De.” “Stress Leaves. Also, the employees were taken into confidence and we did not send any emails, the viral screenshot was a planned step,” she said.

Check out the post here:

The copywriter said that workplace stress is a universal problem that needs immediate attention. “We are all responsible for this together, we have made it the norm, ki itna toh chalta hai, and ‘Aaj Bhot Stress Hai Yaar’ has never been a real reason to take a day off BUT NOT ANYMORE!” she wrote in her post.

YesMadam’s apology and statement did not resonate with social media users, who called the initiative a “lousy PR stunt” and a “clumsy campaign.” (Also read: ‘No ma’am’: Delivery app pushes back against ‘Yes ma’am’ amid ‘mass layoffs’ claim, offering jobs to employees)