In a disturbing account that has gone viral on Reddit, a junior data scientist from a Bengaluru-based tech startup has shared his traumatic experience of workplace harassment, which reportedly led to a medical emergency and hospitalisation—even after resigning from the company.
The employee recounted surviving seven months of intense micromanagement and verbal abuse from a non-technical CEO. According to the post, the CEO frequently imposed unrealistic deadlines, constantly screamed, and demanded explanations for technical details he didn’t understand.
“He would launch into full-blown screaming sessions, tearing into me both personally and professionally,” the employee wrote.
Non-Stop Work, No Support
Working 12-14 hours a day, including weekends, the employee said he was granted just two sick days during his entire tenure. Eventually, overwhelmed and exhausted, he submitted his resignation.
However, even post-resignation, the alleged abuse continued. The CEO scheduled a private Google Meet with the employee, deliberately excluding his reporting manager. During the meeting, the CEO allegedly escalated his verbal attack, leading to a severe breakdown.
“My chest tightened, I couldn’t breathe properly, and I collapsed in my chair. My mother rushed me to the hospital,” he wrote.
Harassment Didn’t End in the Hospital
Shockingly, the employee claims that the company’s HR department—run by a single person—continued its harassment by referring to his medical crisis as a “charity case” for which they were still processing his final settlement.
“They described my three days of doctor-prescribed rest as a ‘prolonged absence’—after I worked continuously for seven months.”
He also alleged that the company intentionally delayed his PF paperwork, potentially jeopardizing future employment.
Lingering Trauma
The psychological toll remains. The employee says he still experiences flashbacks and self-doubt triggered by the incident.
“People say ‘just leave toxic jobs,’ but when you’re in the middle of it—especially early in your career—it’s hard to even recognize the abuse. You start thinking you’re the problem.”
He ended his post with a message for others in similar toxic environments:
“Your mental health is worth more than any salary. If someone constantly makes you feel worthless, it’s not you—it’s them.”
This incident raises ongoing concerns about toxic workplace culture, especially in startup environments, and highlights the urgent need for employee protection, mental health support, and better HR accountability in India’s growing tech ecosystem.
