Several users have criticized the layoffs.

An internal email from YesMadam, a home salon and technology-enabled beauty and wellness platform, has sparked controversy online. The email, purportedly sent by the company’s human resources manager, Ashu Arora Jha, said employees who reported stress in a recent company survey were fired. The letter has since gone viral on social media and drawn sharp criticism from experts.

The alleged leaked letter, shared on LinkedIn by IndiGo’s deputy head of digital marketing, said: “Recently, we conducted a survey to understand your feelings regarding stress at work. Many of you expressed your concerns, which we deeply appreciate and respect. As a company committed to promoting a healthy and supportive work environment, we carefully considered the feedback. To ensure that no one remains stressed in the workplace, we made the difficult decision to separate employees who were experiencing significant stress. This decision takes effect immediately and the affected employees will receive further details separately. Thank you for your contributions.”

Several users have criticized the alleged layoffs. One person sarcastically commented: “Kudos for this groundbreaking employee mental health initiative” and then added: “All joking aside, this is disgusting.” And my condolences go out to the employees affected. Do better, yes, lady!”

Another wrote: “UNBELIEVABLE! This is actually crazy!! Where exactly is the toxic corporate culture leading to such inhumane acts?”

One user commented: “Looks like the company wants employees to behave as their name suggests. Just say “yes, mom” to everything and move on. Don’t give honest feedback, don’t be honest in a survey.”

The authenticity of the letter has not been independently verified and YesMadam has not yet issued a response. But what added to the controversy was that a former employee of the startup, Anushka Dutta, shared the letter on LinkedIn and claimed that she was among those fired.

Ms. Dutta, who worked as a UX copywriter at YesMadam, said, “What is 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 laid off too.”

Few users even responded to the news about X.

“HR is NOT your friend,” the statement read.

HR is NOT your friend. pic.twitter.com/2htw32XpNc

– Tamanna (@itssynecdoche) December 9, 2024

Yes, madam took an office stress survey and fired those who were under stress.

Lesson learned: Never be too honest with your HR department. pic.twitter.com/rTzGKNsYxQ

— Kushal Arora (@digitalkushal) December 9, 2024

One user also speculated whether this could be a marketing tactic, commenting: “Please tell me this is a joke/marketing tactic.”

HR conducts a stress-related survey and fires anyone who says they are stressed. ????

Surely you can’t be serious @_yesmadam

Please tell me this is a joke/marketing tactic. pic.twitter.com/9bg0ofwqmy

– Ravi Handa (@ravihanda) December 9, 2024

While it is still unclear whether the layoffs are actually a marketing stunt, it has certainly raised concerns about workplace ethics and the treatment of employee well-being.