Heartfelt Admiration: Bengaluru CEO Earns Praise for Compassionate Decision After Letting Go of 70 Employees
In a recent display of compassionate leadership, Harsh Pokharna, CEO and founder of OKCredit, demonstrated a commendable approach to handling layoffs amidst budget constraints. The Bengaluru-based tech entrepreneur gained considerable attention online for his empathetic treatment of employees during a challenging time for the company. Reflecting on the process through a detailed LinkedIn post, Pokharna shared how he managed to uphold the values of respect and responsibility, even in the face of tough decisions.
Eighteen months ago, OKCredit faced the difficult task of laying off 70 employees due to financial pressures caused by rapid expansion. “We were burning too much. Hired too fast. It was our mistake. And we owned it,” wrote Pokharna, underscoring the accountability they took as a management team. This candid acknowledgment set the tone for how they approached the situation, prioritizing open communication and support for the affected employees.
Pokharna detailed that the layoffs were communicated through personal conversations, ensuring each employee had a direct, human interaction rather than learning their fate through impersonal emails. This thoughtfulness extended to providing three months’ notice, offering the staff time to adjust and plan their next steps. The CEO also emphasized their commitment to helping those impacted, saying, “Helped with referrals, intros, job leads—anything that could help. Sixty-seven got placed before the notice period ended. For the three who didn’t, we gave two months’ extra salary.”
The tech industry has seen numerous layoffs recently, often characterized by abrupt dismissals via email, leaving many employees feeling undervalued and disrespected. Pokharna’s approach starkly contrasts with these practices, advocating for a culture where people are treated with dignity even during layoff processes. “That’s inhuman. Yes, layoffs happen. But how you handle them says everything about your culture. If you call someone ‘family’ while hiring them, treat them like family when letting them go too,” he stated, reiterating his commitment to a people-first company ethos.
The post resonated deeply across social media, drawing praise from diverse quarters. A fellow CEO commented, “Respect for handling it the right way. More leaders should follow this example.” Another co-founder added, “Such a powerful reminder of what it means to be a true leader. I respect the way you navigated this, and it’s a model for all of us who aim to build a people-first culture.” These sentiments highlight a growing demand for leadership that prioritizes human values and transparency, especially during difficult transitions.
Such instances of empathetic leadership underscore a critical perspective in today’s business environment, where maintaining integrity and fostering genuinely supportive workplace cultures are increasingly valued. By openly sharing his experience, Pokharna sets a benchmark for others in the industry, advocating for handling layoffs with sensitivity and due respect. This approach not only shields the dignity of those affected but also strengthens the fabric of organizational culture, demonstrating that treating employees like family during both good and bad times constitutes the true essence of leadership.
In a landscape marred by impersonal layoffs, Harsh Pokharna’s actions serve as a beacon for how companies might navigate such unavoidable challenges without losing sight of empathy and accountability. As OKCredit and others move forward, the hope is that this example influences wider industry practices, emphasizing that how humans are treated remains paramount, even amidst technological and economic upheavals.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/bengalurubased-ceo-earns-praise-after-sacking-70-employees-respect-for-11743660127489.html
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Publish Date: 2025-04-03 11:49:00
