Popular at-home beauty services startup YesMadam lately found itself at the center of a social media storm after a viral email claimed that employees were fired after a survey for being stressed at workplace. It sparked outrage and disbelief that people were fired for honestly saying they are stressed working in the company.
The startup stepped in and denied such allegations. It stated that the email is a part of a planned campaign to highlight mental health issues at workplaces.
Official statement of YesMadam stated that no one was fired and the email was intended to draw attention to the growing problem of workplace stress. The company simultaneously launched its “Happy 2 Heal” program that is to offer head massages, spa sessions, De-Stress Leave Policy and other such perks. The policy is to allow employees to get six paid mental health days a year.
Related: Controversy Erupts as Startup Allegedly Fires Staff Citing Mental Health Concerns
YesMadam deserves some credit for addressing mental health as the topic is still stigmatizing in many workplaces. The idea of de-stress leave is progressive and also could inspire other companies to rethink the way they support employee well-being. The company said that they firmly believe that the backbone of any great organization is built on happy minds. It is a sentiment that many would agree with.
Layoffs are a painful reality for countless workers and exploiting such a serious topic as a marketing stunt felt careless to many. One online commenter said that toxic behavior is being rebranded as a PR stunt.
The incident raises an important question that whether a good message justify a bad delivery. The intentions of YesMadam may have been positive, but the execution came across as out of touch. Mental health deserves attention, but the company could have chosen a more empathetic and genuine way to start the conversation.
The controversy is a lesson for businesses everywhere. It is not about the way one says it. Addressing mental health and other such important issues should be done with sensitivity. It should not be at the expense of public trust.
