A new social media policy put in place by Byju’s prohibits employees from speaking with the media.
Censorship
When communicating with “any media houses, publications or when using, participating, or through any platforms, including but not limited to Twitter (a.k.a. X), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, Quora, blogs, wikis, chat forums, networking forums, or any other such tool or service, that facilitates communications or interactions in any form or manner,” employees associated with Byju’s will be required to abide by the rules.
Restructuring
This is immediately followed by the dismissal of 4,000–5000 workers.
This was described as the “determination of the company to restructure businesses.”
Threat
Employees who disregard the rules may be subject to disciplinary or legal action, according to a company-wide statement dated September 26.
“…You are not permitted to speak with any media outlet directly or disclose information about the Business, including images, videos, screenshots, etc.
The Social Media Policy Version 1.0 paper stated that “Any breach of this will be taken up by the Company severely and may result in appropriate disciplinary and legal action filed against you.”
Growing discontent
A separate social media policy and company-wide communication of it were attempts at damage control, according to sources, as current and former employees voiced their growing discontent against the edtech major across media platforms. The company previously provided a similar document to new hires outlining its code of conduct.
“Social media usage that is responsible”
“As you are aware, Byju’s is reviewing its business process with the help of industry experts. We are examining several policies as part of this effort to reflect industry best practices.
We have modified our current social media policy and let our staff members know about it.
This policy supports the use of social media for communication in a responsible manner, according to a corporate spokeswoman.
Might be a coincidence
Practically every business has a social media strategy that specifies expectations for how employees should conduct themselves on open forums.
Sources said that the time of dissemination, which coincided with the company’s announcement of a significant round of reorganization that would affect 4,000–5,000 employees, may have been a coincidence.
It has under criticism since 2022 for firing at least 5,000 workers. Additionally, it has put off employee performance reviews, provided fund contributions, and performance-linked pay.