A Bengaluru-based startup founder has triggered a conversation about toxic workplace culture in India after calling out several unhealthy practices that have become common in many organisations.
In a viral LinkedIn post, founder Aloona listed behaviours that employees often face but are expected to tolerate. These included public humiliation during meetings, late-night work calls, weekend stand-ups, and last-minute urgent tasks assigned just before the weekend.
She criticised leaders who expect teams to adjust their schedules around them and remain available at all hours. Aloona also highlighted situations where employees receive work-related calls while they are sick, in the hospital, or dealing with personal loss, arguing that such expectations cross professional boundaries.
“None of this is okay. None of this should be okay,” she wrote, encouraging employees not to accept toxic treatment as a normal part of work life. She ended her post with a message of reassurance: “If you are being told you need to grow up and develop a thicker skin, remember they are the problem, not you.”
The post resonated with many professionals. A therapist commented that toxic workplace behaviour often becomes so normalised that employees begin questioning themselves rather than recognising the problem lies within the work environment. He described constant pressure, humiliation, and unpredictability as serious sources of stress.
Others agreed that many companies mistakenly view constant availability as commitment and pressure as productivity. Several professionals stressed that respect, healthy boundaries, and work-life balance should be basic workplace standards.
The discussion reflects growing concerns about employee well-being and workplace expectations in India. As more professionals prioritise mental health and work-life balance, conversations around toxic workplace practices are becoming increasingly important, prompting organisations to rethink outdated management styles and create healthier work environments for employees.