This Company Asked Workers If They Were Stressed, Then Laid Them Off

YesMadam, a home salon and beauty platform that gained attention on Shark Tank, is facing backlash after a leaked internal memo revealed the company had laid off employees who reported significant stress in a recent survey. 

The decision to part ways with these workers, allegedly to promote a healthier workplace, has sparked controversy online, according to The Economic Times. 

The memo, shared on LinkedIn, explained that YesMadam conducted a survey to assess employee stress levels. Employees who indicated high stress were reportedly let go to maintain a “healthy and supportive work environment.” 

While the company stated that the move was in response to feedback aimed at reducing stress, many critics argue that firing stressed workers is both an ineffective and unethical way to address mental health concerns.

The leaked letter quickly drew mixed reactions on social media. Many users expressed disbelief, questioning whether the move was a misguided publicity stunt or a serious misstep in handling employee well-being. 

Some commenters criticized the company for not offering support mechanisms, such as counseling or flexible work arrangements, before resorting to layoffs.

This incident highlights growing concerns about mental health in the workplace. Experts say companies should focus on providing resources to help employees manage stress, rather than punishing those who are struggling. 

Mental health advocates argue that businesses should build a supportive environment where employees feel safe discussing their challenges without fear of losing their jobs.

YesMadam’s decision to lay off employees who reported significant stress could set a troubling precedent for the future of work, where companies might prioritize cost-cutting over mental health support. If this approach spreads, it could lead to a culture where employees fear being penalized for expressing stress, undermining workplace well-being. 

However, the backlash to this decision also highlights the growing demand for businesses to adopt more empathetic, supportive policies. The incident could drive companies to rethink how they manage employee mental health, leading to stronger protections and more proactive measures to create healthier work environments.