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Though Palicha said the comment had been someone else’s, many read it as a direct reaction to the viral post’s accusations.
Reddit post flares outrage over Zepto’s culture. (Photo Credit: X)
Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha has been at the centre of a heated debate around work-life balance after a viral post on Reddit accused the firm of “toxic work culture.” The issue came into the limelight when a user anonymously shared his experience working at Zepto on the subreddit r/StartUpIndia. The user claimed the organisation has an unhealthy environment, with late-night meetings and excessive work hours.
Following the backlash and speculations over the Reddit post, Palicha took to X (formerly Twitter) on December 4 to say, “I have nothing against work-life balance. I recommend it to all our competitors.” He later explained that was not his quote but from Daksh Gupta, an Indian-origin CEO who has been in the news for long working hours in his own company.
I have nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors 🙂— Aadit Palicha (@aadit_palicha) December 4, 2024
Though Palicha said the comment had been someone else’s, many read it as a direct reaction to the viral post’s accusations. Social media reactions were majorly sceptical.
A user’s ironical comment read, “Customers after this tweet: We have nothing against Zepto. We recommend BLINKIT and INSTAMART.”
Customers after this tweet: We have nothing against Zepto. In fact, we recommend BLINKIT and INSTAMART.— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) December 4, 2024
Poking fun at the alleged waking up late claims, a user stated, “Bro woke up early today.”
A user went on with a full-on roast mode to state, “Ah, burning the midnight oil to dunk on toxic work culture posts on Reddit? Bold strategy! So, what time’s your first meeting today—asking for your coffee machine.”
Ah, burning the midnight oil to dunk on toxic work culture posts on Reddit? Bold strategy! So, what time’s your first meeting today—asking for your coffee machine
— Monica Jasuja (@jasuja) December 4, 2024
A user claimed, “This is not a startup; it’s a dystopian nightmare masquerading as a business. Instead of addressing these real concerns, they’ve chosen to mock the idea of treating employees like human beings. If this is the future of work, count everyone out.”
This is not a startup; it’s a dystopian nightmare masquerading as a business. Instead of addressing these very real concerns, they’ve chosen to mock the idea of treating employees like human beings. If this is the future of work, count everyone out.
— Loan Guru (@Loanguruji) December 4, 2024
Meanwhile, the Reddit post in question outlined several complaints, including the following:
The user claimed that meetings usually happen at 2 AM since Palicha starts working at 2 PM as he wakes up late.
The workers were reportedly expected to put in at least 14-hour workdays, while it has been claimed seniors avoid working at Zepto due to its culture.
The post said the firm hires younger workers to save on wages and suggested layoffs, saying hiring has already been frozen in most departments.
It was also claimed that “dark patterns” are utilised to get more money out of customers.
