December 23, 2024: The startup workers in India is often hailed for its dynamism and rapid growth, but behind the buzz of innovation, many employees are silently grappling with toxic work environments. A recent post on Reddit has brought attention to a chilling reality faced by workers in this high-pressure ecosystem. An anonymous developer shared a heartbreaking account of enduring verbal abuse and constant humiliation by a tech lead at a fledgling startup, shedding light on the darker side of startup culture.
Despite long, grueling hours and little to no guidance, the employee’s emotional breakdown during a Google Meet session has sparked widespread concern about the well-being of India’s workforce. This disturbing revelation is a stark reminder that the pressures of startup life can sometimes take a devastating toll on mental health.
Anonymously shared accounts on Reddit are shedding light on the toxic work cultures that many employees endure, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of such environments.
The story centers on a fresh graduate working remotely for a startup with just two employees and three founders. The employee, a frontend developer, recounts their harrowing experience of being verbally humiliated by one of the company’s co-founders, who also serves as the tech lead.
This co-founder’s behavior, characterized by public verbal abuse during a Google Meet session, reduced the employee to tears. The incident has sparked outrage among the wider community, many of whom are calling for greater accountability and reform within India’s growing startup culture.
“I cried on Google Meet in front of the tech lead. I do not know how to face it now,” the employee wrote, describing how they were left feeling unsupported and emotionally drained after the verbal outburst. Despite working long hours—12 to 15 per day—the developer had little guidance, training, or appreciation from the tech lead, further contributing to the workplace’s toxic culture.
The post struck a chord within the Reddit community, where it quickly gained more than 700 upvotes and numerous supportive comments. Many users empathized with the employee’s situation, offering advice and reassurance. Some suggested that the developer leave the company for their own mental well-being, while others highlighted the widespread issue of toxic startup environments.
A fellow Redditor responded, “Hey bud, listen, you are all good. In life, you judge yourself by your own standards and don’t let anybody else make you feel bad about your emotions. You are allowed to feel whatever you feel like, and you are allowed to express it (until it doesn’t hurt others). Cry your heart out, kid, and then move on.”
The Dehumanizing Reality of the Startups World
While the emotional and psychological toll of such environments is deeply concerning, it’s not an isolated case. Many startups in India thrive on a culture of long hours, tight deadlines, and unrealistic expectations, which often lead to burnout. The lack of structure and mentorship, compounded by toxic leadership, creates a perfect storm for employee dissatisfaction.
A few weeks ago, another Reddit post in the same subreddit painted a similarly bleak picture. This time, a junior developer working at an early-stage startup shared their struggle with having little to no guidance, despite being tasked with complex projects. With no senior staff to mentor or support them, the developer was left to navigate their work environment alone. The resulting stress and confusion led to deteriorating mental health.
Startups are often seen as the breeding ground for innovation, but the reality for many employees can be far from glamorous. The absence of work-life balance, combined with the pressure to constantly perform, leads to a higher risk of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. The emotional breakdown of the developer who shared their experience in the Reddit post is just one example of the wider, troubling pattern emerging in India’s startup ecosystem.
Startups: Call for Change: The Need for Compassionate Leadership
As Indian startups continue to scale, the question arises: How can founders foster innovation while ensuring the mental and emotional well-being of their employees? The current culture of “hustle at all costs” is clearly taking a toll on workers, and it’s time for change.
Industry experts emphasize the importance of building more structured, supportive environments for employees. This includes providing proper mentorship, creating realistic expectations around work hours, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. Founders need to prioritize emotional intelligence and empathy, recognizing that their leadership style can have a profound impact on the mental health of their team.
“Only two employees and three founders? Leave this LALA company ASAP!” one user commented, suggesting that the developer leave the startup for their own well-being. “Indian startups are full of ego-driven founders. It’s better to join a stable company like TCS or Infosys, or even pursue freelancing.”
Another Redditor advised: “The day your manager disrespects you or behaves unprofessionally with you should be your last ‘mentally engaged’ day at that company. No money is worth your self-respect.”
As employees continue to speak out, it’s essential for both startups and larger companies to rethink their workplace cultures and understand that a healthy, supportive work environment is not just a luxury—it’s crucial to the long-term success of any organization.
