A viral Reddit post has sparked widespread criticism of an unnamed Indian company that asked employees to contribute ₹1,200 each for a mandatory Diwali party.
The incident has ignited debate over workplace culture, professionalism, and employee rights, with many calling the move tone-deaf and embarrassing.
Diwali Party WhatsApp Message Triggers Outrage
The controversy began when a screenshot of a WhatsApp message from the company’s management was shared on the subreddit r/IndianWorkplace.
The message announced a Diwali celebration and stated that “100 percent attendance is mandatory with your teams.”
It further instructed managers to collect ₹1,200 from each team member and ₹2,000 from team leads.
The message also included the phrase “booze on the house,” which many users found contradictory given the mandatory financial contribution.
The post was captioned “This is embarrassing for a company,” and quickly gained traction online, with thousands of upvotes and hundreds of comments criticizing the company’s approach.
Employees Question Mandatory Attendance and Contributions
Social media users expressed concern over the compulsory nature of the event and the expectation that employees would fund it.
Several commenters pointed out that Diwali parties are typically sponsored by companies as a gesture of appreciation, not financed by employees.
One user wrote, “Why is it mandatory to attend? Shouldn’t that be a choice? What will happen if someone skips it and doesn’t pay anything?”
Another added, “The audacity of saying ‘booze on the house’ after asking for money is laughable.”
Others criticized the use of WhatsApp for official communication, arguing that it blurs the line between personal and professional boundaries.
“Companies using WhatsApp for such messages show a lack of professionalism,” one user commented.
Broader Concerns About Workplace Culture
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about corporate culture in India, especially around festive events and employee engagement.
While Diwali is traditionally a time for celebration and bonding, many believe that participation should be voluntary and inclusive.
Some users shared experiences from their own workplaces, noting that good companies typically sponsor food, travel, and venue costs, while leaving alcohol as a personal choice.
Others highlighted that forcing contributions—even from employees who may not attend—reflects poor management practices.
A few commenters also raised concerns about non-alcoholic employees and those who may be traveling during the festival, questioning whether they would still be expected to pay.
Diwali Party Message: Lack of Transparency and Professionalism
The anonymity of the company involved has not stopped users from calling for accountability.
Several suggested posting reviews on platforms like Glassdoor to warn potential job seekers.
Others urged employees to refuse payment and opt out, emphasizing that participation in social events should never be coerced.
The incident also coincides with recent government advisories discouraging public sector units from spending on gifts or celebrations during festivals, adding another layer to the debate on corporate responsibility.
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