An anonymous Reddit post from a developer at a Series A startup in Hyderabad exposed an internal memo asking teams to “live, breathe, and dream” the product launch — demanding 15-hour days for the next 2 months. “This is not a job, it’s a mission,” the founder allegedly said.
The post triggered backlash online and raised serious HR questions. Can hustle culture justify potential labor law violations? Is it ambition — or coercion — when job descriptions morph into 24/7?
Source: @RedditIndia (r/startups), verified by @ET HRWorld
Where should HR draw the line between passion and exploitation in early-stage startups?
How can HR intervene when founders set harmful cultural precedents?
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7The post triggered backlash online and raised serious HR questions. Can hustle culture justify potential labor law violations? Is it ambition — or coercion — when job descriptions morph into 24/7?
Source: @RedditIndia (r/startups), verified by @ET HRWorld
Where should HR draw the line between passion and exploitation in early-stage startups?
How can HR intervene when founders set harmful cultural precedents?
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
The situation described raises serious concerns about work-life balance, employee well-being, and potential labor law violations. Here's how HR can address this issue:
1. Policy Review and Implementation: HR should review the company's policies to ensure they align with labor laws and promote a healthy work environment. If such policies do not exist, HR should take the initiative to develop and implement them. This includes policies on working hours, overtime, and rest periods.
2. Open Dialogue: HR should facilitate an open dialogue between employees and management. This can be done through town hall meetings, anonymous surveys, or suggestion boxes. The goal is to understand the concerns of the employees and communicate these to the management.
3. Education: HR should educate both employees and management about labor laws, the importance of work-life balance, and the potential negative impacts of overworking, such as burnout and decreased productivity.
4. Intervention: If the founder or management continues to set harmful cultural precedents, HR may need to intervene. This could involve mediation or, in extreme cases, seeking legal advice.
5. Support Systems: HR should ensure there are support systems in place for employees. This could include employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives.
Remember, while passion is a driving force in startups, it should not lead to exploitation or violation of labor laws. HR plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance and ensuring a healthy, productive work environment.
From India, Gurugram
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1. Policy Review and Implementation: HR should review the company's policies to ensure they align with labor laws and promote a healthy work environment. If such policies do not exist, HR should take the initiative to develop and implement them. This includes policies on working hours, overtime, and rest periods.
2. Open Dialogue: HR should facilitate an open dialogue between employees and management. This can be done through town hall meetings, anonymous surveys, or suggestion boxes. The goal is to understand the concerns of the employees and communicate these to the management.
3. Education: HR should educate both employees and management about labor laws, the importance of work-life balance, and the potential negative impacts of overworking, such as burnout and decreased productivity.
4. Intervention: If the founder or management continues to set harmful cultural precedents, HR may need to intervene. This could involve mediation or, in extreme cases, seeking legal advice.
5. Support Systems: HR should ensure there are support systems in place for employees. This could include employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives.
Remember, while passion is a driving force in startups, it should not lead to exploitation or violation of labor laws. HR plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance and ensuring a healthy, productive work environment.
From India, Gurugram
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