Explained | What is the YesMadam controversy

'What’s happening at YesMadam? First you conduct a random survey and then fire us overnight because we’re feeling stressed? And not just me 100 other people have been fired too,' said an employee in a viral post that sparked the row.

YesMadam, a Noida-based company which offers salon services at home, has reportedly fired over 100 employees via email. After conducting a mental health survey, the company reportedly fired those who were under extreme stress.

An employee of YesMadam, one among the 100 who were reportedly fired, shared a screenshot of the email. The news sparked widespread outrage on social media.

“What’s happening at YesMadam? First you conduct a random survey and then fire us overnight because we’re feeling stressed? And not just me 100 other people have been fired too," said the employee.

The email that the employees received provided an update on the results of a stress survey conducted by the organisation. The email read, “Recently, we conducted a survey to understand your feelings about stress at work. 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," it added. The email announced the companies decision to part ways with employees who had high stress levels, effective immediately. It added that those affected by the decisions will receive further details separately.

One comment on the post read, “Seriously. This is pathetic. They are playing with the careers of the employees." “That is the most inhumane way to lay off people. You pretended to care by sending over a ‘Stress Survey’ and basis of the same you chose to fire people. This is unbelievable and insane; it speaks of the toxic work culture and the services you offer. The startups that start on the foundation of toxicity die the fastest. If it is true then I hope people boycott your brand both as employees and end customers and if it is a PR stunt then also I hope people do the same because there are better ways to trend," added another.

“Firing employees for reporting stress in a workplace survey isn’t just counterproductive—it’s the epitome of irony. Instead of addressing the root causes of stress, this approach sends a loud and clear message: ‘Your well-being isn’t our concern.’ A healthy work environment is built on empathy and solutions, not silencing voices by removing those who speak up. This isn’t fostering a supportive culture—it’s avoiding accountability. Companies must do better," said another user.

However, after the backlash, YesMadam responded saying that no one was fired. They apologised for any distress caused and reassured users that they would not take such an "inhumane step". The statement further said that the social media posts were planned in order to highlight the stress faced by employees at the work place.

Meanwhile, Magicpin, a shopping and delivery app, launched a campaign on LinkedIn inviting employees who were laid off to join their company. This garnered much praise from users online.

Creative Director at magicpin Madhav Sharma while sharing the post wrote, "This campaign was executed without any stress."

Two people wearing helmets, holding signs were featured in the post. While one sign read, "No madam. Stressed employees can perform! Because they care," the other said, "Magicpin invites laid off employees to join across department" followed by the email ID.

LinkedIn users hailed it as a phenomenal marketing strategy. "This is what you call, 'aapda ko avsar me badalna'. Great initiative by Magicpin's creative team. Obviously, they aren't gonna hire every laid off employee of YesMadam, but even if they hire 4-5 employees it would still be an amazing work by them," read one of the comments.