A 25-year-old machine learning engineer of an AI company died by suicide in Bengaluru’s Agara Lake. It is alleged that a brilliant engineer took this unfortunate step because of a toxic work culture and an exploitative manager. (NDTV 19 May 2025) The workplaces are becoming a haunting place with wolves like leaders. Some are expert task masters, as in Egypt, who demand work without providing raw material or infrastructure or training, or coaching. (Exodus 5:6-14) These leaders and managers are like the hired shepherds, who do not care for the sheep, instead leaving them exposed to the dangers of wild animals like wolves. (John 10:13) The manager is alleged to be the reason for the engineer’s suicide.
Verbal abuse: His communication was always abusive with curse words. There was no dignified, polite, and courteous communication. As disciples, Christians should speak words that build up, cheer up, and give hope. Using words like ‘incompetent’ for a qualified engineer who has excelled in his studies demotivates a person.
Humiliation: Another oppressive tool is to humiliate a person before others. Using words like ‘good for nothing’ is demeaning and degrading. A person’s dignity is robbed when humiliated.
Emotional blackmail: Wicked bosses are good at manipulating people with fear, obligation, guilt, failure, and rejection. Denying promotions, bonuses, or better opportunities is a common occurrence.
Threat of dismissal: When the economy is not flourishing, both unemployment and underemployment are challenges. Many people are competing for one position. Hence, the workers are willing to accept lower wages. Using this as a weapon, reckless bosses use a hire-and-fire policy. That demoralizes many people. It is like a Damocles’ sword hanging over them. Believers should be excelling in their work, but should not be intimidated, as God opens doors and opportunities if the present door is closed.
Family and society: Many workers are pushed to the verge of suicide because they care for their families and their reputation in society.
Jacob’s model: Despite the insensitive and exploitative Laban, Jacob trusted God, flourished, and ultimately became victorious.
Do I experience the Lord as my shepherd in my workplace?