Is topless massage a case of a 'too healthy' workplace culture?
Healthy workplace culture? Unprofessional? Social media became divided recently after a CEO uploaded an image of himself getting a massage while he was in the middle of a meeting.
Tony Fernandes, the CEO of low-cost airline AirAsia, uploaded on Monday on LinkedIn an image of him in a meeting, where he wasn't wearing a shirt and was getting a massage while sitting in an office chair in front of what appears to be a conference table.
"Got to love Indonesia and AirAsia culture that I can have a massage and do a management meeting," Fernandes said on the now-deleted post.
Fernandes said it was a "stressful week" and that AirAsia Indonesia CEO Veranita Yosephine made the suggestion that he get a massage.
Leadership style questioned
The comments on the post were divided - one called it handling stress management the "right way," while another lauded the "friendly work culture" at AirAsia, Business Insider reported.
There were others, however, who were critical of the situation, and even compared it with the airline's dress code for its passengers.
"Is this the leadership style of your CEO? Applause for them? Additionally, is it permissible to travel without a shirt on your flights? This is concerning," said one user on X (formerly Twitter).
"So unprofessional and disrespectful. He should be setting an example of good work ethics and culture, not flaunting his body and privilege," another user on the platform said.
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The post has been deleted on LinkedIn, but Fernandes alluded to the situation on his later posts on the platform.
"After all the attention I got and with so much positive stuff going on decided to stay at the office. Allstars did a special Outdoor BBQ for me," he said on LinkedIn.
"What kept us going during Covid and what's going to make us stronger is our amazing culture and spirit which again I saw yesterday with the tremendous support I continue to get through this rebuilding phase."