'I quit': Toilet paper resignation note shared by Singapore boss sparks workplace culture debate

Angela Yeoh, who serves as director of the unnamed company, shared the photograph of the resignation note online.

In an incident that sparked widespread discussion on social media, a Singapore-based company director, Angela Yeoh, shared an unusually blunt resignation letter from an employee—written on a piece of toilet paper. The post, made on LinkedIn, quickly went viral as users reacted to the symbolic gesture and its stark commentary on workplace culture.

The employee, who felt mistreated and undervalued, reportedly handed in their resignation using toilet paper to convey a message about how they believed they had been treated by the organisation. The handwritten note on the toilet paper read: “I have used this kind of paper to resign because this company has also treated me in the same way. I am leaving the job.”

Yeoh, who serves as director of the unnamed company, shared the photograph of the resignation note online and revealed that the employee had felt “used” and discarded, likening their experience to disposable toilet paper. Another portion of the message read: “I felt like toilet paper, used when needed, discarded without a second thought.”

In her post, Yeoh reflected on the situation, writing: “Make your employees feel so genuinely appreciated that even when they decide to leave, they walk away with gratitude, not resentment.” She further emphasised that appreciation should not be viewed merely as a retention strategy, but as an essential measure of a person’s worth within a workplace. “Appreciation isn't just a tool for retention. It's a reflection of how much a person is valued—not just for what they do, but for who they are,” she added.

Yeoh’s candid post resonated widely, with thousands engaging in the discussion. Many LinkedIn users shared their own experiences and thoughts on toxic workplace environments, the need for emotional intelligence in leadership, and the crucial role of empathy in management.

“A crucial reminder to reflect on how we make our people feel. Small, consistent acts of appreciation can indeed make a world of difference. Let's all strive to do better,” one user commented.

Another user noted, “Well said! Having said that, a company culture may be unhealthy, it is down to the manager to help create a safe and thriving space for the team.”

The incident has drawn attention to persistent issues in many modern workplaces—ranging from lack of recognition and psychological safety to high-pressure environments where employees feel compelled to leave in frustration or despair.