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Boss vs employee chat over sick leave goes viral: 'You are not in school'

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Workplace discussions around sick leave and employee well-being have become a frequent topic of debate, especially in corporate cultures where attendance is often prioritized over health. With employees increasingly voicing concerns about workplace pressures on social media, instances of managers discouraging legitimate leave have drawn public attention, highlighting the tension between professional expectations and personal health.

The Viral Conversation

A recent conversation between an employee and their manager has gone viral on Reddit, drawing attention to workplace attitudes towards sick leave. The exchange, shared on the subreddit r/IndianWorkplace, highlights the tension between employee health concerns and managerial expectations.


The thread, titled “My manager when I ask for a leave,” features a dialogue where an employee informs their manager about a persistent headache. Initially, the manager suggested taking medicine and reporting to the office, downplaying the severity of the condition. When the employee explained that the headache persisted, the manager emphasized that sick leave is not meant for minor ailments, comparing the workplace to school and urging the employee to come in regardless.


The employee responded that they had already taken medication, but the manager reiterated that they should still attend the office, allowing for minimal rest if necessary. The employee agreed to try attending despite their condition.


Online Reactions
The post quickly drew attention, with Reddit users weighing in on the discussion. Many criticized the manager's approach, questioning the expectation that employees should prioritize work over health. Comments highlighted frustration with workplace cultures where sick leave is discouraged or trivialized, and some users shared similar experiences, emphasizing the lack of mutual respect in professional environments.

Other users reacted humorously to the manager’s repeated use of “hero” when addressing the employee, mocking the tone while acknowledging the pressure to attend work despite being unwell. Some commenters discussed broader workplace practices, noting that employees often adjust their schedules to accommodate leave while feeling obligated to compensate later, reflecting ongoing tensions in corporate leave policies.
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