YesMadam: A PR Blunder beyond repair

"Maar lo Jhaapad", isn't this just brilliant?

When I started this newsletter, my aim was simple: to highlight companies that excel in building strong brands, offering valuable lessons in growth, innovation, and success. But this week, a very different story demanded attention, one that underscores how quickly things can go wrong when a brand misreads its audience and mishandles communication.

Last week, YesMadam, a Noida-based beauty and wellness startup, made headlines—but not for the right reasons. Instead of an inspiring story of innovation, they gave us a cautionary tale about how quickly a brand can lose trust.

It all started when YesMadam conducted an internal survey on workplace stress—a move that initially seemed well-intentioned. However, things took a bizarre turn when employees reportedly received an email stating that those who reported feeling stressed would be terminated. Yes, the company allegedly addressed stress by, well, removing the "stressed".

The email spread like wildfire online, sparking outrage and criticism. Critics called it insensitive, unethical, and an HR disaster. To make matters worse, when YesMadam clarified that this was part of a “planned PR stunt” to raise awareness about workplace wellness, the internet wasn’t convinced.

And then came the CEO’s apology, where he casually said: “Maar lo jhaapad” (slap us if you want). While likely meant as an attempt to lighten the mood, the line didn’t land well. Instead of defusing the situation, it added to the perception that the company wasn’t taking the issue, or its audience seriously.

Where It Went Wrong

1. Intent vs. Execution Workplace stress is a sensitive topic that demands thoughtfulness and care. Trying to generate awareness through shock-value tactics rarely ends well, especially when your employees are the punchline.
2. Messaging Matters If the campaign had a bigger purpose, it would have been completely lost in chaos. Any PR stunt that creates panic rather than clarity is a failure of messaging.
3. Apologies Aren’t a Joke When a brand is under fire, the response needs to be professional and empathetic. Casual statements like “Maar lo jhaapad” can come across as dismissive, even if unintentional.

Lessons for Brands

YesMadam’s misstep is a valuable reminder that bold campaigns must always be grounded in empathy and clear strategy. Here’s what we can learn:

• Handle Sensitive Topics with Care: Employee wellness is not a gimmick. If you’re going to talk about it, back it up with real action.
• Think Before You Stunt: PR campaigns should engage audiences, not alienate them. Always test your messaging to ensure it aligns with your goals.
• Professional Apologies Win Trust: If you make a mistake, own it sincerely and show your commitment to doing better.

My two pennies

YesMadam’s story isn’t just about one failed campaign, it’s about the delicate balance of trust and perception that every brand must manage. A single misstep can turn a thoughtful initiative into a viral backlash, reminding us that intent without execution is meaningless.

At the end of the day, as the CEO said “Maar lo jhaapad”. But the real slap here is a wake-up call for brands: think carefully, act authentically, and never forget that trust takes years to build and seconds to lose.