Summary: An HSBC employee in Hyderabad took to LinkedIn alleging ethnic humiliation at work. She recounted instances of derogatory remarks and objectification by colleagues, claiming no action from HR despite reporting. The post garnered widespread attention, sparking discussions on workplace discrimination and the importance of addressing such grievances.
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her ordeal, stating, “There have been quite a few incidents that happened during the last one year which I neglected thinking ‘Isn’t this what corporate life feels like?’” However, the situation eventually became unbearable, leading to severe mental health issues and panic attacks.
Among the reported incidents, she recounted one colleague threatening her, saying, “Ek chamaat maarenge, Bihar pahuch jaogi” (I will slap you so hard, you will go back to Bihar), while another criticized her smoking habit, suggesting it tarnished the team’s image. Despite filing a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) complaint with the HR team, she claimed to have received no updates on any actions taken.
The woman’s post, accompanied by a screenshot of her email to HR, has gained significant traction on social media, eliciting over 1.4 lakh reactions. Responses have varied, with some offering support and urging her to escalate the matter further, while others questioned her decision to publicly name her company and coworkers.
LinkedIn users expressed solidarity with the employee, advising her to escalate the issue to HSBC headquarters and urging the company to address the matter seriously. One user highlighted the need to combat insensitive comments about Bihar and its people, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against discrimination.
The incident sheds light on the persistent challenges of workplace discrimination and the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful environments within corporate settings. As the post continues to spark discussions, it underscores the significance of addressing such grievances and upholding principles of equality and dignity in the workplace.