Termination Over Tea Breaks? A Gurugram Startup Employee’s Shocking Story

In today’s fast-paced world, startups are often glorified as hubs of innovation and flexibility. However, a recent incident shared by a Reddit user on the r/delhi subreddit paints a troubling picture of toxic work culture in a Gurugram-based startup.

The employee, who joined the company with high hopes, was terminated within 20 days for reasons as trivial as taking tea breaks with colleagues and leaving the office on time. This story sheds light on the unrealistic expectations and poor management practices that some employees face in the Indian startup ecosystem.

The Reddit post by user False-Echidna8747 details a shocking sequence of events. Just three days into the job, the employee was criticised by their employer for not being "down to earth" and having an "attitude problem."

The accusations escalated when the employee and two other new hires began taking tea and smoke breaks together—apparently, this was seen as "creating groups" detrimental to the company. The situation worsened when the employer objected to the employee leaving at 7 PM, the designated end of the workday, labelling it as unacceptable behaviour.

Within 15 days, the employee was forced to work from the director’s cabin, an unusual and uncomfortable arrangement. The tipping point came on the 20th day when the director, irritated by the employee glancing outside during a conversation, ordered immediate termination.

The fallout didn’t end there. The company delayed sending a termination letter for over a week, and when the employee was finally called for a discussion, the director recorded the conversation—focusing solely on the employee’s interactions with colleagues—while denying them the right to record it themselves. This unsettling experience prompted the employee to file a complaint with the labour commissioner, a step that highlights the severity of the situation.

Comments on the Reddit thread echoed widespread outrage and disbelief. Many users pointed out the absurdity of expecting employees to work beyond regular hours without justification, while others criticised the director’s authoritarian behaviour.

One commenter noted, “This is why startups in India get a bad rap—toxic bosses with zero understanding of work-life balance.” Another user advised the employee to name the company publicly once the labour commission resolves the case, emphasizing accountability.

This incident raises broader questions about employee rights and workplace culture in India’s startup scene. While startups often demand agility and dedication, fostering an environment where tea breaks are vilified and leaving on time is frowned upon is a recipe for burnout and discontent.

For job seekers in Gurugram and beyond, this serves as a cautionary tale. Before joining a startup, research its culture, read employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, and ask pointed questions during interviews about work expectations. For employers, this is a reminder that respect and clear communication are key to retaining talent in a competitive market.

As the labour commission investigates, the employee’s allegations resonate with countless others who’ve faced similar injustices. It’s a call to action for better labour protections and a healthier work environment—one where a tea break doesn’t cost you your job.