Felt like toilet paper, used when needed then..: Viral resignation calls out toxic work culture

A resignation letter written on toilet paper has taken social media by storm after Singapore-based entrepreneur Angela Yeoh shared it on LinkedIn, using the unusual note to highlight the importance of appreciation and dignity in the workplace.

Yeoh's LinkedIn post was accompanied by the resigning employee's note, which read, "I have chosen this type of paper for my resignation as a symbol of how this company has treated me. I quit." The anonymous employee said they felt like “toilet paper – used when needed, then discarded without a second thought," described Yeoh.

Yeoh’s post quickly gained traction online, resonating with many professionals who have faced similar workplace challenges. She explained that the letter was a powerful symbol of how a toxic work environment can leave employees feeling undervalued and disposable.

"Make your employees feel so genuinely appreciated that even when they decide to leave, they walk away with gratitude, not resentment. That kind of experience doesn’t speak to a lack of loyalty — it speaks volumes about the company’s culture," Yeoh wrote in the post.

She emphasised that employee appreciation is not just a retention strategy, but a true measure of how much individuals are valued — not just for what they do, but for who they are.

"If people leave feeling undervalued, it’s time to reflect. Small changes in appreciation make a big impact. Start today," she urged.

The post has since sparked widespread discussion around employee well-being, management behaviour, and the need for a more empathetic and inclusive work culture.