Byju’s Fallout And The Price of Toxicity, Current And Retrenched Employees Struggle Amid Negative Publicity, Face Job Hunt Hurdles

Byju’s Fallout, Struggling Ex And Current Employees Face Job Hunt Hurdles

Byju’s continues to make multiple headlines, and many are aware of the ongoing financial struggle within the company, from issues related to compliance to toxic work culture to unpaid salaries and EPFs to mass layoffs; the stories doing the rounds are not positive for Byju’s.

However, it is not Byju’s that alone is paying the price of its many missteps, but it is also the ex-employees or even the once still working with the company but perhaps looking out for better opportunities that are paying a heavy price!

Byju’s, once seen as a promising ed-tech startup, has faced severe criticism for its toxic work culture, which reportedly involved pushing sales through aggressive and misleading tactics. As a result, numerous employees that were let go are now bearing the brunt of the company’s poor ethical standards.

Therefore, it is valid to say that the fallout from Byju’s negative publicity has taken a heavy toll on its retrenched employees, leaving them with stiff conditions in their job search. As allegations of unethical practices and abusive work environments emerged, the once-promising tech giant faced scrutiny and financial challenges, leading to large-scale layoffs. Thousands of hardworking individuals are now grappling with the consequences of a corporate culture that prioritized profits over employee well-being.

The Rise and Fall of Byju’s, From Hope to Controversy
Byju’s, a Bengaluru-based startup, was once hailed as a beacon of hope for millions of Indians seeking quality education and brighter futures.
The tech giant quickly rose to prominence, attracting investments from major players in the tech and financial sectors.

However, as the company grew, so did the complaints; reports of unsavoury marketing practices and excessive pressure on staff to drive sales began to surface. Byju’s employees, including current and former salespeople, revealed a toxic work environment characterized by long hours, abuse, and a culture of deception to close deals.

A Human Cost, Struggling Employees Paying the Price
The fallout from Byju’s unethical practices has left many of its employees struggling to find new opportunities.
Consider this, for those who come from low-income backgrounds or are first-generation college graduates, the pressure to provide for their families, how difficult would it be for them to leave the job?

Also, consider the fear of being blacklisted in the job market and the need for a steady income to cover expenses, thus, leaving these employees feeling trapped in an environment they describe as mentally torturous.

From The Highs To The Lows
As an ex-employee of Byju’s, the experience of working with the company might indeed be a mixed bag, with moments of pride and achievement, as well as moments of disillusionment and frustration.

Joining a fast-growing ed-tech startup like Byju’s could have been an exciting opportunity, especially given the significant impact the company had in the education sector and the promise of personal and professional growth.

However, the recent negative publicity and controversies surrounding Byju’s work ethics could have severely tarnished the reputation of its employees. In the wake of allegations of unethical practices, abusive work environments, and aggressive sales tactics, the company’s credibility and values might have come into question. As a result, employees might find themselves facing significant challenges in their career prospects after leaving Byju’s.

The Heavy Price
The questionable work ethics at Byju’s has raised concerns for potential employers who are cautious about associating with individuals who have worked in such a contentious environment.

• For many corporates and their hiring decisions are often influenced by a company’s reputation, and being associated with a brand that has faced serious allegations could cast doubt on an individual’s integrity and professionalism.
• Moreover, it is commonly thought that employees might have become accustomed to a work culture at Byju’s that prioritized revenue and sales targets over employee well-being.
• Such a culture could have led to the normalization of unethical practices, making it challenging for individuals to transition into workplaces with higher ethical standards.
• In such a situation, the fear of being blacklisted or stigmatized as a “Byju’s employee” due to the negative publicity might discourage employees from seeking new opportunities or sharing their work history honestly during job interviews. This fear could further hinder their chances of finding suitable employment elsewhere.

The Delimma
On the one hand, one could argue that employees should have stood their ground and refused to engage in fear-based selling and unethical practices.

However, we must consider the broader context in which these employees found themselves. In a country like India, where competition for jobs is fierce, many educated individuals have struggled through years of education, rejections, and countless rounds of interviews to secure even basic employment.

In such a scenario, the pressure to hold onto a job, no matter how toxic the work environment, can be overwhelming.

The reality of the job market and the fear of being unemployed, coupled with the need to support themselves and their families, often force employees to make difficult choices. Saying no and walking away from a job that provides financial stability becomes a daunting task, even when the job involves peddling toxicity to customers.

The Silence of Regulators
The real question, however, is that of the absence of oversight; even as complaints against Byju continued to mount, labour, IT ministries and other regulators took a long time to address the issue.

Despite concerns about customer treatment and worker abuses, the company continued to operate without sufficient oversight, leaving employees vulnerable to exploitation.
As tech companies strive to become the next big players in India’s economy, workers’ rights experts should call for dedicated ed-tech policies to protect the welfare of employees.

Organizing for Change But Encountering Resistance
In an attempt to rally for better working conditions, some of Byju’s employees tried to unite and demand change. However, they faced resistance from the company, which discouraged dissent and threatened workers with termination and with limited legal recourse, many just gave up the challenge.

The Last Bit, The fallout from Byju’s poor work culture and reputation has not only left ex-employees facing challenges in finding new opportunities but even those who are presently working with the company.

The dilemma of balancing personal ethics with the need for livelihood in a competitive job market is a complex one. While the employees’ participation in push-based selling practices can be questioned, the broader context of the job market in India must also be considered.

In the end, it is crucial for companies to prioritize ethical practices and create a positive work environment that values employee well-being.
For employees, standing up against unethical practices should be encouraged, and the job market should be supportive enough to offer alternative opportunities for those who choose to do so.
Only then can we build a work culture where employees are not forced to compromise their values for the sake of employment and have a better chance at employability, finding new career opportunities and personal growth.

For now, the sinking Byju’s ship has taken many along with it down to the very bottom!