A founder based in Gurgaon has ignited a broader discussion regarding workplace norms after sharing his perspective on notice periods and employee accountability. Nikhil Rana, who established his startup The 15 just five months ago, took to LinkedIn to recount an incident involving a team member, including a screenshot of what appeared to be a WhatsApp conversation.
In the exchange, the employee conveyed that they would be unable to participate in an upcoming event but were willing to assist remotely. The message read: “Hey Nikhil, I won’t be able to make it for the event today. I tried to manage, but can’t join. Let me know if there’s anything I can support with from afar.”
Rana’s reply was swift: “You’re fired. Consider today your last day.”
In his LinkedIn post, he elaborated on his viewpoint, asserting that startups require individuals who are proactive and take full responsibility. “Startups need: People who take ownership. People who founders can rely on. People with high agency. People who don’t wait for the perfect moment. People who can ‘make it happen,’” he stated.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Rana expanded on his reasoning behind the abrupt dismissal and the company’s policy of no notice periods. He mentioned that he shared the screenshots to impart a lesson, although he acknowledged that critical context was lacking.
Rana explained that the dynamic in startups is markedly different from that in corporate environments. “There’s a lot of hustle and no structure for an extended period,” he noted, adding that he had previously discussed his concerns with the employee but ultimately concluded that the individual was not a good cultural fit. He also revealed that the employee had a 5 percent equity stake in the company.
The decisive moment, according to Rana, was when the employee withdrew from the event at the last minute. He claimed that both had invested time and resources into organizing it, with his contribution being approximately Rs 3-4 lakh, yet the employee canceled just an hour before the event commenced. “It clearly indicates they are not inclined to work. It demonstrates a lack of readiness to accept responsibility,” he remarked.
When asked if he attempted to understand the reasons behind the employee’s absence, Rana said he reached out the following day. “I personally texted the employee, ‘If you want to discuss an exit or provide feedback, I’m happy to jump on a call,’ but there was no response,” he stated.
indianexpress.com was unable to independently reach the employee since their identity was not disclosed, leaving only one perspective available in this situation.
In his original post, Rana characterized notice periods as “theatre” and “a waste of time.” He elaborated, stating, “Nobody accomplishes anything during a notice period,” referring to it as merely a “honeymoon period.”
He also made a provocative assertion that “skills have become secondary now,” adding, “People don’t care about skills anymore; they’re commoditized.” Rana explained that with the influence of AI, skills are easily replaceable, whereas ownership remains valuable.
However, Rana’s comments did not resonate well with many online. Several users expressed discontent with his views and the manner of the termination. One comment read, “What an inspiring take! ‘Skills have taken a back seat.’ Exactly what anyone wants to hear. Why bother building expertise when you can just be on-call 24/7, catering to every founder’s whim and labeling it dedication? Clearly, the new standard is functioning like a machine, but the only thing designed for continuous availability is AI, not people. If this is a clever marketing ploy, that’s even worse; it’s not bold or aspirational, it’s a toxic mindset that needs to be challenged.”
Another user highlighted the importance of hiring practices and workplace dignity, stating, “You didn’t hire well or just brought someone on board for the sake of it. Each termination can hinder progress if the person is needed. Plus, we are human beings, and everyone deserves respect. It’s a concept that seems foreign to many in India.”
In response to the backlash, Rana asserted that much of the criticism originated from individuals outside the startup ecosystem. “Most comments come from corporate employees and those working in multinational companies. Those who aspire to achieve good work, earn money, and grow rapidly are the ones who thrive in startups, and no one from the startup community has commented on my post,” he told indianexpress.com.
Rahul Pratyush, with a background in major news organizations like India TV and The Indian Express, has cultivated expertise in high-speed digital journalism. His professional experience spans various topics, including health, sports, lifestyle, and entertainment, enabling him to approach trending stories from a diverse angle. Known for his live-event coverage and multimedia storytelling, Rahul effectively translates complex internet cultures into compelling narratives. He holds a postgraduate degree from IIMC and currently focuses on entertainment and celebrity coverage for The Indian Express and SCREEN.
