"SHE ASKED ME TO BLEED WITHOUT A PAD IN OFFICE" Toxic Workplace Stories | Girl Guppa Podcast Ep 19

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of toxic workplaces in India, exploring everything from workplace stress, toxic bosses, and burnout to discriminatory practices and unhealthy work environments. We discuss recent controversies like the EY scandal and Narayana Murthy's unsolicited “70-hour” workweek comment, highlighting the pressure employees face in India's fast-paced corporate culture. Join us as we break down the signs of a toxic workplace, its impact on mental health, and why work-life balance is more important than ever. We also share practical tips on how to cope, set boundaries, and recognise when it's time to make a change. Whether you're in IT, startups, or traditional industries, this episode is for anyone navigating the complexities of corporate India. 00:00 - Teaser 01:10 - What is a toxic workplace 02:12 - What toxic workplaces do to you 03:16 - My ex-boss was straight from hell! 04:16 - My boss LITERALLY told me to bleed without a pad 🫠 08:41 - She basically made a mockery of a death in my family 13:39 - The petty boss who just couldn’t let go 17:13 - The boss who said you’re not good enough if you’re not sick enough ☠️ 18:05 - Narayan Murthy be giving toxic boss uncle energy from the start 23:58 - My friend’s workplace broke him from within 25:42 - Ernst And Young and textbook toxic workplace behaviour 27:19 - Why sometimes I you take toxicity lying down 🥲 27:52 - Break the toxic cycle, do it! 30:17 - Why toxic bosses be so toxic ya? Maybe this is why 31:16 - The “boys’ club” BS and illusion of ‘the good employee who stays late’ 33:12 - Why women feel more ignored and unheard in office setups 35:05 - The one boss who was actually an amazing leader 38:02 - So kids, what did we learn today? PODCAST AUDIO AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON Spotify - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/girl-guppa Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/facc73fe-d024-457f-b1b4-ef341100cd03/girl-guppa Youtube @GirlGuppaPodcastAudio Instagram Arushi @Curlmoohi Sidhikka @Sidhikka https://www.instagram.com/GirlGuppa ABOUT US: Hey there! We’re Girl Guppa — 2 millennial ‘girls’ who love ‘gupshup’. Especially if it’s about things that women care deeply about. Whether we're chatting about the possibility of feminist marriages, having open and honest talks about sex, or unpacking complex issues like mental health, we do it with a blend of insight, warmth, and fun. ‘Girl Guppa’ is all about those raw and real conversations we have with our BFFs at 3 am or on a long drive home, about prevalent, important, or even completely frivolous issues. Our show is all about creating a space where no subject is taboo, and every woman feels seen, heard, and understood. While we’d ideally love to ‘enlighten’ you, we’d be happy if we can ‘entertain’ you to begin with. Join us for fun, non-judgmental, and enlightening conversations that empower and inspire.