Hyderabad: A post from an HSBC Hyderabad branch employee on LinkedIn, about experiencing a toxic workplace culture, has sparked an intense row on social media worldwide.
Nitika Kumari, CDD analyst at HSBC’s GSC Hyderabad branch, shared her trauma of dealing with ethnic slurs from colleagues and the nonchalant responses from company management.
In a long post, she said that has been with the bank for over a year, and is now serving her notice period. She said she has dealt with several episodes of panic attacks and mental health issues because of the treatment she received.
Her post read, "The incident happened on 22 April 2024 when I was subjected to ethnically insensitive remarks by my colleague. The exact words which was used by him is 'Ek Chamaat Maarenge, Bihar Pahuch Jaogi’, which meant “I will slap you so hard, you will land in Bihar.”
Nitika shared that she followed the protocol and informed her manager about the incident but "nothing came out of it". A team meeting was held where she was told that her colleague did not physically assault her. "It was just a hate comment which I can’t let go of,” her post read.
Many netizens supported Nitika and said, “I commend you for exposing the facts behind this curtain.” A user posted, “The toxicity will grow stronger every time these bullies get away with their intimidation tactics. The failure of HSBC to act on such vile behaviour is not your fault."
Some also shared their toxic workplace experiences in the comments. “I also had some kind of similar experience and took it to the circle HR and also to my immediate managers. At last I heard a ‘sorry’ from that guy and HR/seniors had a word with him to make him realise his fault,” a user posted.
