The post quickly went viral (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: A post by Nikhil Rana, founder of The 15, has ignited discussion on social media over workplace expectations and employee rights in startups. The controversy began after Rana shared a screenshot on LinkedIn appearing to show an employee being fired shortly after declining to attend an event.
In the exchange, the employee informed Rana they would not be able to attend but offered to provide remote support. Minutes later, Rana responded with a brief message terminating their employment, stating it would be their last working day.
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In his post, Rana criticised traditional notice periods, describing them as “theatre” and “a waste of time.” He argued that startups require individuals with “high agency” people who take ownership and act decisively without waiting for ideal conditions.
According to him, reliability and initiative outweigh technical skills in fast-paced startup environments. He further claimed that skills have become “commoditised,” suggesting that adaptability and commitment are now more critical.
The post quickly gained traction, drawing a wide range of responses. Several users criticised the tone and implications of the message, arguing that it promotes unrealistic expectations and undermines the value of professional expertise.
Some commentators said such practices risk encouraging a culture where employees are expected to be constantly available. Others described the incident as reflective of a one-sided notion of accountability, where employees are judged more harshly than employers.
Another set of responses focused on the broader impact of such decisions on team dynamics. Critics suggested that frequent or abrupt terminations could disrupt workflow and weaken organisational stability.
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Some users also pointed out that the full context of the incident was unclear, urging caution before drawing conclusions. They questioned whether performance issues or role-specific responsibilities may have influenced the decision.
The episode has added to ongoing conversations around work culture in India’s startup ecosystem, particularly regarding boundaries, expectations, and leadership styles.
As startups continue to emphasise agility and speed, the debate highlights the challenge of balancing performance demands with fair workplace practices and employee well-being.
