Breaking the Silence: Tackling Workplace Bullying, Harassment, and Retaliation at Cadence Design System, Noida
I was taken aback upon discovering the reality of the work environment at Cadence Design System in Noida. The way HR portrayed their work culture burst like a bubble during the so-called orientation program EAP. My manager was alerted by HR when I asked a question about an unclear policy. In the following paragraphs, I will provide a detailed account of how certain managers and HR personnel exploit individual employees who refuse to comply with unreasonable demands. I possess ample evidence, enough to create a documentary, which I wish to share on a public platform to prevent others from enduring the same hardships I faced at this organization.
I attempted to report the incident as it was taking a toll on my mental well-being. My manager consistently used offensive and disrespectful language during our weekly one-on-one meetings. Why? Simply because I chose to work from home, which was supposed to be voluntary. She insisted on my presence in the office, often displaying signs of disturbance. Whenever I disagreed with her, she became extremely irritated and resorted to personal insults. Initially, I tried discussing the matter with her to de-escalate the situation, but it persisted. I later recorded a few of our discussions, which any impartial observer would find deeply unsettling and well beyond the bounds of professionalism.
HR verbally acknowledged the manager’s fault but did not take any official action, and they stopped responding to my communications
Here are some key observations:
- Employees are initially promised the option to work from the office voluntarily during interviews but are later coerced by managers using direct and indirect threats to return to the office.
- Upon returning to the office, it became evident that COVID-19 guidelines were not being followed due to a lack of concern from the management and HR. There was a complete disregard for mask-wearing, social distancing, sanitization, and infection prevention measures in common areas such as doors and lifts.
- Managers used to exert pressure, both directly and indirectly, on employees to return from leave even if they had tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago.
- Managers repeatedly call employees to pressure them to return as soon as possible, often classifying their case as mild COVID symptoms, assuming they are receiving treatment at home rather than in a hospital. They also refuse to provide onboarding and training until the employee returns to the office.
- I will also highlight how HR collaborates with unethical managers (offenders) to silence the voices of employees.
- There is no official record of employee complaints, no established process or official communication; everything remains verbal to further harass the employee.
- Employees are subjected to mental torture and isolation from the rest of the team.
- The Company policy leaves action entirely on the discreation of HR(and that’s where policy ends)
I initially tried to address these unethical practices, but I realized that there are individuals within the system who support them
It’s astonishing to witness how HR speaks and attempts to manipulate employees reporting such incidents. They have been untruthful on numerous occasions and have consistently sided with the offenders in this case to stifle my voice.
I had no intention of airing my grievances about my employer in the public domain or making private conversations with managers/HR public, which would cause significant embarrassment to the organization. However, I have been left with no other option to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
While I could have pursued legal action against the company, considering the time it takes for our legal system to act, I also intend to ensure that the higher leadership within this organization becomes aware of what is transpiring under their supervision. Only when the truth is exposed to the public will HR and managers like these be held accountable and answerable.
Note: For any details reach out to me at: “ex.cadence.employee@gmail.com“