Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal issued a stern warning to employees on December 17, expressing disappointment over poor attendance levels. In an internal message that has since gone viral, Aggarwal said he was “shocked” by attendance data and announced stricter policies starting next week. He emphasized that the company’s HR team would personally address employees with attendance issues.
Aggarwal described the excuses regarding the facial recognition system as an insult to “basic intelligence.” Employees were expected to “come to work, do good work, and feel part of Ola’s mission,” he said. CEO’s direct tone gained maximum media attention on social networking.
Call for Accountability
In his note, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal made a warning to employees on self-respect and professionalism. He said that failing to report to work without proper reasons disrespects the colleagues who are working hard. Aggarwal added, “Everyone should have the basic self-respect not to fleece the company by simply not showing up.”
Aggarwal further reaffirmed that the company has no work-from-home policy unless there is a genuine reason to do so. The Chief Executive dismissed employees who used the excuse of wrong facial recognition data to blame and asked for accountability over excuses. His statement reads:
“Monday onwards, a more stringent attendance expectation will start. And those of you who have misused the freedom so far, HR will be having a conversation with you. The best excuse I’ve hear so far is that the facial recognition system data is wrong. Let’s not insult basic intelligence,”
Increasing Scrutiny of Aggarwal’s Leadership
Not for the first time has the word of warning from Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal to employees or leadership style come under scrutiny. Critics have often pointed out his uncompromising attitude. Recently, Aggarwal had a public sparring with comedian Kunal Kamra over customer complaints against Ola Electric scooters. Yet, in an all-out effort to instill discipline and push the mission further, Aggarwal persists. He cleared,
“I would imagine everyone has the basic self respect to not fleece the company by not even turning up for work. It’s even disrespectful to those colleagues who genuinely work hard and contribute. And we don’t have any WFH policy expect for genuine needs (sic),”
The viral message has sparked conversations about employee accountability and corporate culture, with many supporting the CEO’s tough stance while others question the tone of his communication.