In India, workplace stress is frequently associated with extended working hours and stringent deadlines. Yet, for working mothers, particularly those with newborn infants, the pressures are significantly more profound. A recent online video shared by a man from Gurugram has brought widespread attention to the absence of empathy and support extended to new mothers in numerous professional environments.
Husband Documents Late-Night Work Pressure on New Mother
The viral footage captures the man's wife, a recent mother, diligently working on her laptop at 1:30 AM. He records this poignant moment to challenge the unreasonable demands imposed on her by her employer, despite her recent entry into motherhood.
Initiating the video, he states, "It is 1:30 in the night and she's still working. Her manager has literally made her life hell."
He further interrogates the expectations placed on a woman who has just embraced motherhood, articulating, "Matlab tum yaar ek nayi mother se kya expect karte ho ki wo bacche ka bhi dhayan rakhe aur tumhare liye 16-16 ghante kaam bhi kare? (What do you really expect from a new mother that she should take care of her baby and also work 16 hours a day for you?)"
'She Conquered India's Most Challenging Examination'
The husband also sheds light on his wife's professional credentials, noting that she is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He emphasizes her accomplishments to underscore the emotional strain this situation has inflicted upon her.
"She has cracked the most difficult exam of India and she's doubting her own worth today. Imagine someone who can balance complex audit reports is being made to feel like she can't even balance a career and a child together," he expresses.
Direct Appeal to Managers and Aspiring Leaders
As the video progresses, the man directly addresses managers and encourages them to reconsider their leadership methodologies.
"To all the people who have become managers or those who are going to manage, please listen up," he declares, before continuing, "A motherhood is not a performance, it is a masterclass in resilience and multi-tasking."
He also condemns the notion of so-called global work culture, asserting, "Agar aapka global culture ek maa ko accommodate nahi kar sakta toh aapka cluture global nahi sirf aur sirf toxic hai (If your so-called global work culture cannot accommodate a mother, then it isn't global at all, it is simply toxic.)"
'Do Not Allow a Manager to Determine Your Market Value'
The video concludes with a heartfelt message dedicated to his spouse and other working mothers.
"You are not legging behind, you are leading the way. Soch badalne ki zrurat unhe hai, tumhe nahi (They need to change their thinking, not you). Don't let a manager define your market value."
In the accompanying caption, the man adds, "Corporate toxicity is true. This is exactly when she was dealing with her postpartum."
Video Achieves Viral Status, Users Exchange Personal Narratives
The video has amassed over one million views and ignited a powerful online reaction, with numerous users recounting comparable experiences in the comments section.
One user shared, "So many of us can relate to it! Have experienced the same after joining work post maternity leave."
Another commented, "I quit my past job because I was shamed profusely and accused of being unaggressive just when I was silently becoming a pro in handling motherhood and work. Cut to the end of the year, I was up on the charts of their highest performers. The loss was theirs- I left for a much higher package and a lot more respect. Corporate set-ups fail mothers and motherhood all the time."
A third user observed, "New mom or not, Pregnant or otherwise, working at 1 AM is absolute burnout!"
One individual criticized management practices, stating, "Most Indian managers from IT/ finance sectors are absolutely submissive to their own bosses and clients and don't have the spine to say NO to client's absurd demands with tight deadlines. They become managers without any formal training, and their mindset is to only keep loading their teams with more and more 'high priority work'. Sad state of affairs that won't change. Better to move to smaller firms if life gets hard! Your health is in your own hands."
Another user contributed, "Hopefully, the new generation that becomes managers will change this trend. It's so sad to see."
