The corridors of a Turkish bank became an unexpected courtroom drama when a former employee took his employer to task over what he described as systematic and institutionalized pressure. The case, which unfolded in late 2026, centers on a bank employee who claimed that the toxic environment cultivated by the institution led to significant health issues. His journey began not with a dramatic confrontation, but with the quiet dignity of seeking justice through the legal system.
At the heart of the case lies a particularly disturbing directive that has since become infamous in Turkish legal circles: the 'don't get diarrhea' order. This seemingly bizarre instruction, delivered by bank management to employees, encapsulated the alleged culture of pressure and disregard for worker well-being that characterized the institution's approach to its staff. The phrase, while seemingly innocuous on its surface, represented what the former employee described as an emblematic example of the psychological torment he endured.
The bank employee's legal team argued that the systematic and institutionalized pressure, which they characterized as workplace bullying and discrimination, had tangible health consequences. According to the claims presented to the court, the psychological toll of the work environment manifested in physical health problems, with the employee eventually developing conditions that required medical attention. This connection between workplace stress and physical health formed a crucial pillar of the case against the bank.
The case, which was ultimately upheld by Turkey's Court of Appeals (9th Chamber), sent a powerful message about employee rights in the workplace.
On November 8, 2026, the Turkish court delivered its verdict, finding the bank liable for psychological damages. The court's decision acknowledged the validity of the employee's claims, recognizing that the 'don't get diarrhea' order was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior that created a hostile work environment.
The case, which was ultimately upheld by Turkey's Court of Appeals (9th Chamber), sent a powerful message about employee rights in the workplace. By ordering the bank to pay moral damages, the legal system validated the experiences of workers who endure psychological harassment on the job. The ruling underscored the principle that employers bear responsibility for maintaining work environments that do not compromise employee health, either physically or psychologically.
This case has broader implications for Turkish work culture, particularly in industries where employee welfare may be secondary to productivity targets. The court's decision serves as a reminder that workplace bullying and discrimination are not merely interpersonal issues but institutional problems that require systemic solutions. As Turkish businesses navigate this new legal landscape, the case of the bank employee and the infamous 'don't get diarrhea' order may well become a touchstone for discussions about workplace ethics and employee rights.