Recently a video surfaced of an employee meeting in which a VP of the HDFC bank is seen berating his subordinates. The video is a prime example of the toxic work culture and environment of the Indian subcontinent as a whole. Especially the private banking sector in India has been associated with toxic work culture far too often. And as a result, it also suffers from some of the highest numbers of employee turnover.
Context of the Viral Video
The video comes from an online meeting of employees in a Kolkata-based branch of HDFC bank. In the viral video, we can see a VP from one of the Kolkata branches of HDFC bank berating his subordinates. The reason for the harsh tone and abusive language seems to be the employees not reaching their targets. We can see belittling, abusing, and even threatening at one point in the video. And honestly, it is hard to watch and not feel bad for the subordinates subjected to the mental abuse by the VP.
As the video started to gain traction on social media with several prominent profiles on Twitter sharing it. To their credit, HDFC bank took action fast and suspended the VP in question, and said we have zero tolerance for toxic workplace behaviors. And according to the reports an internal investigation has been launched to gather all the relevant facts. At this point, all we can do is wait and hope the situation will shed light on the problems of toxic work culture.
A Problem Deeper Than One Person
While it is undeniable what the VP did is undeniably very harmful to the workplace as a whole. And not to mention the impact it has on the mental health of employees. But what this video showcases or rather servers as a window into is the behaviors all too common behind the scenes. It shows the toxicity constantly perpetuated by people on all different levels of different industries. All this video has done is made the situation painfully obvious.
While admitting the VP was 100% wrong, it is likely that he himself has gone through a similar situation in his early career. And he is but another medium perpetuating the toxicity all too common in Indian workplaces. The systemic toxic culture is like cancer for the members of the Indian workforce
The Impact of Toxic Culture on Employees
Here are some ways in which a toxic workspace can impact employees:
Mental and emotional health: Working in a toxic environment can significantly impact employees’ mental and emotional well-being. Constant stress, fear, and negativity can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health issues. Employees may experience feelings of helplessness, demotivation, and low self-esteem.
Reduced productivity and performance: Toxic workspaces can hinder employees’ productivity and job performance. Negative work environments can be distracting and make it difficult for employees to concentrate and focus on their tasks. The constant pressure and stress can lead to decreased efficiency, errors, and missed deadlines.
Increased absenteeism and turnover: Employees in toxic workspaces are more likely to take more sick days or even resign from their positions. The negative atmosphere can take a toll on their physical health, leading to increased absenteeism. Additionally, employees may seek employment elsewhere to escape the toxic environment, resulting in high turnover rates for the organization.
Physical health consequences: Prolonged exposure to a toxic work environment can also have physical health consequences. Stress-related ailments such as headaches, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, and high blood pressure may manifest in employees. Unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive alcohol or drug use may also arise as a result.
Conclusion
The viral video of the VP berating his subordinates in HDFC Bank highlights the toxic work culture and environment prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the private banking sector. This incident serves as a window into the pervasive behaviors that perpetuate toxicity in workplaces across different industries. While the VP’s actions are undeniably harmful and deserving of consequences, it is crucial to recognize that he is not solely responsible for the toxic culture. The problem runs deeper and is systemic, affecting the Indian workforce as a whole.
And as always folks if you would like to read some of the latest articles in Hindi be sure to check out the Mojo Patrakar. Alaos check out the latest article on GGF Food for Thought: Exploring the Connection Between Nutrition and Mental Health
