A light-hearted moment at RemoteStar has gone viral, sparking conversations around workplace culture and Gen Z dynamics. The incident involved CEO Naresh Harwani and a young employee who surprised him during a routine virtual meeting.
During what was expected to be a standard team call, 21-year-old Vartika Bisht joined the session wearing a towel and a face mask, leaving colleagues trying to contain their laughter. The unexpected moment briefly caught the CEO off guard before he responded with curiosity, turning the situation into a humorous exchange.
The video quickly gained traction online, drawing lakhs of views and widespread engagement. It was later revealed that the act was a planned prank by the marketing team, reflecting the company’s informal and open work environment. The employee, who recently joined the firm, indicated that such a gesture felt possible only because of the supportive and relaxed culture within the organisation.
Harwani acknowledged the surprise but maintained that such moments are acceptable as long as they do not interfere with productivity. He emphasised that fostering a sense of ease and enjoyment at work can strengthen team cohesion, particularly in remote setups where maintaining engagement is often a challenge.
Leading a company with a predominantly young workforce, Harwani highlighted the importance of Gen Z employees in startup ecosystems. He noted that their adaptability, especially in the context of rapid technological shifts, makes them valuable contributors.
The episode also reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations. Many startups are increasingly embracing flexible and informal cultures, aiming to balance performance with employee well-being.
