The concept of work-life balance has sparked heated debates across corporate circles in India. Recently, the controversy extended to Zepto, a quick commerce platform, as allegations of a toxic work culture surfaced on social media. Zepto’s Co-founder Aadit Palicha added fuel to the fire with a sharp commentary seemingly dismissing the importance of work-life balance.
Allegations of Toxic Culture at Zepto
The controversy began with an anonymous Reddit post detailing grievances against Zepto’s workplace practices. The post alleged unreasonably long working hours, unprofessional conduct, and high employee attrition, claiming that at least ten people left the company weekly. Further allegations accused Zepto of employing dark patterns on its app to unfairly extract money from customers. These claims quickly gained traction on social media platforms, triggering widespread discussions.
NDTV Profit reached out to Zepto for a comment regarding the allegations. However, the company did not respond at the time of publishing.
Palicha’s Remarks Add to the Controversy
In the midst of these allegations, Aadit Palicha took to X (formerly Twitter) with a post that many interpreted as a dismissive take on work-life balance. “I have nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors,” Palicha remarked, referencing a quote from Daksh Gupta, the young founder of the San Francisco-based tech startup Greptile.
Gupta had previously stirred his own controversy by stating that his company does not support work-life balance, a stance that attracted backlash online. Palicha’s comment seemed to echo Gupta’s perspective, which only heightened scrutiny of Zepto’s workplace culture.
The Debate on Long Hours
Palicha has been vocal about his team’s rigorous work ethic, often describing the intense hours required to sustain the company’s rapid growth. At the NDTV World Summit in October, he admitted that Zepto employees frequently work 80-100 hours a week. Palicha emphasized that this level of commitment stems from a passion for creating something meaningful, rather than financial incentives.
“Working 80-100 hours a week, we could have probably worked half of that with a lot less stress,” Palicha said. “At a certain point, money becomes inconsequential. We love what we’re building, we work like crazy, and we’re genuinely excited about what we’re creating.”
While Palicha’s remarks were intended to highlight the team’s dedication, critics argue that promoting such long hours reflects an unhealthy approach to work culture.
Broader Implications for Corporate India
The debate over work-life balance isn’t confined to Zepto. Earlier this year, Infosys Founder N.R. Narayana Murthy sparked controversy by advocating a 70-hour work week, arguing that India’s youth need to work harder to drive the country’s progress. While some supported Murthy’s viewpoint, others lambasted it as regressive and impractical.
Murthy doubled down on his stance, stating that he does not believe in work-life balance, further igniting debates on what constitutes a healthy and productive work culture. Palicha’s comments have now added a new dimension to this ongoing discussion, raising questions about the sustainability of such demanding work environments in fast-growing startups.
The Road Ahead for Zepto
As Zepto faces allegations of toxic workplace practices, the company’s leadership must address these concerns to retain credibility. While passion and dedication are integral to startup success, fostering a supportive and professional work environment is equally essential. Zepto’s silence on the allegations has left many wondering whether the company acknowledges the issues raised.
The broader conversation about work-life balance will likely continue to resonate in corporate India. For startups like Zepto, finding a balance between achieving rapid growth and ensuring employee well-being remains a critical challenge. How companies navigate this delicate equilibrium could set the tone for the future of work culture in the country.