A 32-year-old chef and nutrition coach began her new role at a luxury hotel in Bengaluru, only to be greeted by the programme director’s chilling words, “Welcome to hell”. Little did she know, it would soon prove to be a “living hell” on Earth, not just for her but for the entire staff. Long, gruelling shifts, a hostile work environment, and constant sexual harassment.
.. and yet, the nightmare had only just begun to unfold.
Read| Indian Company Terminates Employee, Demands 3-Month Salary in Exchange for Experience Letter While speaking to The Nod magazine, Nayantara Menon Bagla opened up about her time at the luxury hotel. She claimed that the latecomers were given a “hellish” treatment at the plush hotel. Staff who arrived late were made to stand outside with their hands up for two hours straight and later clean all the fridges with bare hands.
‘Mental health was not even a discussion’: Bagla Bagla said that the hotel denied time off for personal emergencies: “Whether we were going through a breakup or someone in our family had died, we had to put on our makeup, smile, and greet the guests.” She said, “There were work shifts of 18-20 hours, seniors taking advantage of young folks and constant sexual innuendoes.” Also Read| Bengaluru Man Gives Rape Threats to Woman on Road: ‘Tried Breaking Car Window, Door’ Bagla even hinted at “suicides” and “mass bullying” at the workplace.
“Sure, kitchens and restaurants are high-pressure environment.