Employee’s ‘Toilet Paper’ resignation sparks workplace culture debate

A Singapore-based businesswoman, Angela Yeoh, recently shared a powerful story on LinkedIn about an employee who quit in a strikingly honest way. The employee claimed they felt discarded and unappreciated, comparing themselves to a “Toilet Paper” which is used when needed and discarded without a second thought. Angela revealed these words deeply impacted her and emphasized the importance of valuing employees not just for their work, but for who they are.

She stressed that appreciation in the workplace shouldn’t only be about retaining staff, but should reflect how much people are genuinely valued. She encouraged leaders to ensure that even when employees leave, they do so with gratitude, not bitterness. 

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Angela’s post included a photo of a handwritten resignation note on toilet paper, which read: “I have chosen this type of paper for my resignation as a symbol of how this company has treated me. I quit.” While she didn’t confirm if the image was real or symbolic, it quickly went viral. 

The post triggered a flurry of reactions on LinkedIn. Some praised the bold move, while others highlighted the importance of self-worth and the role of middle management in employee dissatisfaction.