Introduction
In early 2024 a software engineer from Gurgaon found himself abruptly terminated just five months after joining a fast‑growing tech startup. The employee’s manager was reportedly unaware of the decision until HR called for a meeting, sparking questions about internal communication, procedural fairness, and the broader wave of layoffs sweeping India’s technology sector. The incident, reported by Hindustan Times, offers a micro‑cosm of the challenges faced by both workers and companies navigating a volatile market. This article dissects the episode, examines managerial blind spots, critiques HR practices, and situates the case within the larger pattern of tech layoffs across the country.
Unexpected dismissal
The employee, a mid‑level developer, received a terse email from HR stating that his services were no longer required, effective immediately. No performance‑related feedback or prior warnings were provided. The abrupt nature of the termination left the employee scrambling to understand the rationale, while his direct supervisor expressed surprise, confirming that no prior discussion had taken place at the managerial level.
Manager’s blind spot
When the manager was approached for clarification, he admitted he had never been informed of any performance concerns or cost‑cutting measures involving his team. This disconnect points to a breakdown in the chain of command, where HR decisions bypassed the usual supervisory review. Such gaps can erode trust, diminish morale, and expose organizations to legal scrutiny.
HR’s procedural gaps
Best‑practice HR frameworks typically require documented performance reviews, clear warning stages, and managerial sign‑off before termination. In this case, the lack of a documented performance improvement plan and the absence of a manager’s endorsement suggest a deviation from standard protocols. Critics argue that the hurried dismissal may have been driven by short‑term financial pressures rather than a measured assessment of employee contribution.
Broader industry trend
India’s tech sector has witnessed a surge in layoffs since 2022, as venture‑backed startups grapple with funding slowdowns and global economic uncertainty. The table below summarizes notable layoffs reported between January 2023 and December 2025, illustrating the scale of workforce reductions.
| Company | Employees laid off | Date announced |
|---|---|---|
| InstaPay | 420 | March 15, 2023 |
| CloudMinds | 1,200 | July 9, 2024 |
| ByteShift | 850 | November 22, 2024 |
| NeuroTech | 300 | February 5, 2025 |
| QuantumEdge | 1,050 | September 30, 2025 |
These figures underscore a systemic shift, where rapid hiring cycles are being reversed, and employees find themselves vulnerable to sudden workforce rationalizations.
Legal and ethical implications
India’s labour laws require that terminations be justified, documented, and communicated through proper channels. Failure to adhere can result in wrongful‑termination claims, compensation liabilities, and reputational damage. Ethically, companies bear a duty to treat employees with transparency and respect, especially in high‑growth environments where expectations are elevated.
Conclusion
The Gurgaon techie’s experience is more than an isolated incident; it reflects a growing disconnect between HR actions and managerial oversight amid a turbulent tech landscape. As startups recalibrate their growth strategies, establishing robust, transparent termination processes will be essential to safeguard employee rights and maintain organisational credibility. Stakeholders—including founders, HR leaders, and policymakers—must collaborate to create clearer guidelines that balance fiscal prudence with humane employment practices.
Image by: 8pCarlos Morocho
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