By Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has sparked controversy with his latest job offer for the Chief of Staff position, requiring applicants to pay ₹20 lakh upfront and work without a salary for the first year. While the money will be donated to Feeding India, an organization working to fight hunger, the unusual terms have raised eyebrows and led to widespread social media backlash.
The Unconventional Job Offer: Zomato’s Chief of Staff Role
Zomato is offering a significant role in shaping the company’s future with initiatives like Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure. However, the conditions of the role, including a ₹20 lakh donation to charity and no salary in the first year, are unconventional. The offer promises high-level responsibilities but also poses questions about accessibility to qualified candidates without the financial means to participate.
The ₹20 Lakh Donation: A Charitable Move or an Ethical Concern?
While the ₹20 lakh donation is being directed towards Feeding India, some critics view the offer as exclusionary. They argue that asking candidates to make a large donation upfront can deter talented individuals who cannot afford it, thus creating a barrier to entry in a highly coveted role.
Reactions Pour In: How Social Media Is Responding
Social media reactions have been mixed, with many questioning the ethicality of the job offer. Some have criticized it as exploitative, while others see it as a creative way to combine business and charity. Public opinion on this issue will likely continue to evolve as more people weigh in.
The Bigger Picture: Corporate Social Responsibility and Hiring Practices
This controversy raises questions about how companies can integrate corporate social responsibility into their recruitment strategies without compromising fairness. Companies like Zomato are increasingly focusing on social causes, but balancing philanthropy with equitable hiring practices remains a challenge.
Deepinder Goyal’s job offer has sparked a necessary conversation about corporate hiring practices, philanthropy, and accessibility. While the goal to contribute to Feeding India is commendable, the financial conditions attached to the role highlight an ethical dilemma for companies attempting to merge business with social impact.