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Zepto, a leading quick-commerce startup, has found itself at the center of controversy after an anonymous post on Reddit accused the company of fostering a toxic work environment. The post sparked widespread debate online, drawing attention to the work culture within the organization.
Allegations Against Zepto’s Work Culture
The anonymous complaint highlighted several issues allegedly faced by employees at Zepto, including:
- Long Working Hours: Employees reportedly work extended hours, often until 11 p.m., driven by late meetings initiated by CEO Aadit Palicha, who reportedly starts his day at 2 p.m.
- High Attrition Rates: The post claimed that at least 10 employees resign weekly, indicating dissatisfaction with workplace conditions.
- Alleged Dark Patterns: The complainant also accused the company of deploying questionable practices on its app to maximize revenue from customers.
These allegations have fueled discussions about the challenges faced by employees in high-growth startups and the balance between aggressive business growth and employee well-being.
CEO Aadit Palicha’s Response
Aadit Palicha addressed the criticism through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I have nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors :)” The response, perceived by many as dismissive, further ignited debates about the prioritization of work-life balance in startups.
Advocating for High Performance
Palicha has previously expressed his perspective on work culture during interviews. He acknowledged the demanding nature of startup environments, emphasizing the drive and passion required to build something impactful. At the October NDTV World Summit, he shared that Zepto’s team works 80-100 hours per week, driven by their commitment to creating a successful business.
“Working 80-100 hours a week, we could have probably worked half of that with a lot less stress… At a certain point, money becomes inconsequential. We love what we’re building, we work like crazy, and we’re genuinely so excited about what we’re creating,” Palicha remarked during the summit.
Broader Context: The Debate on Work-Life Balance
The incident has reignited discussions about work-life balance in corporate culture. With rising work pressure across industries, opinions remain divided:
- Some business leaders, including Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy, have advocated for extended workweeks. Murthy suggested a 70-hour work week for Indian youth, a stance that faced criticism but also gained support from certain quarters.
- On the other hand, employees and mental health advocates emphasize the importance of a balanced work environment for sustainable productivity and well-being.
Industry Perspective
Zepto’s controversy reflects broader challenges faced by startups operating in hyper-competitive markets. Rapid scaling often requires intense effort, but maintaining employee satisfaction is equally critical for long-term success. Companies are increasingly under scrutiny for their workplace practices, as employees and stakeholders demand accountability.
Looking Forward
While Palicha’s remarks and Zepto’s alleged work culture have sparked criticism, they also highlight the realities of the startup ecosystem, where success often comes at the cost of personal time. Moving forward, the company may need to address these concerns publicly and reassess its internal policies to foster a healthier work environment.
This episode serves as a reminder for startups to strike a balance between ambition and employee well-being, ensuring their teams can sustain the demands of high-growth environments without compromising on quality of life.
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