In many Indian workplaces, getting annual leave signed off, especially if it falls neatly around national holidays or a weekend, can feel like threading a needle. So when a professional from Noida shared her recent exchange with her boss, the internet sat up and took notice.
Kanika Raina, a digital marketing manager, had asked for a few days off around Independence Day, cleverly linking the public holiday with the weekend to make a long break. But what grabbed people’s attention wasn’t just her strategic timing, it was her manager’s kind and trusting response.
“Leave approved. Enjoy your trip to the fullest. Don’t take unnecessary stress. We will manage in your absence. Cheers.”
That single line, simple, reassuring, and human, has since sparked conversations online about empathy in leadership and the small but powerful ways managers can make their teams feel valued.
“We’ve got your back”, but do we really?
In a thoughtful LinkedIn post, Raina reflected on what the message meant to her.
“We often hear ‘We’ve got your back’ in offices, but very few teams actually live by it,” she wrote.
It wasn’t a grand gesture, she added, but the kind that leaves a lasting impression on an employee’s loyalty and morale.
Reactions: from applause to playful sarcasm
Since her post went live on 11 August, it has collected over 5,000 likes and a mix of reactions from fellow professionals.
Some praised the supportive culture: “It’s inspiring to see such a leadership approach,” one user wrote.
Others responded with humour, sharing their own tales of leave approval woes:
“These are fiction, please wake up as your leave is rejected,” joked one commenter.
“Not to brag, but my manager would give me one day’s leave if I broke my leg, but only after a written mail with proof,” teased another.
Why it struck a chord
In a world of overflowing inboxes and unrelenting deadlines, this exchange reminds us that good leadership is not just about managing tasks, it’s about managing trust.
Kanika’s leave wasn’t simply approved; she was told to truly enjoy it. Her boss’s message carried the unspoken assurance: “We’ve got it covered, now you go live your life.”
It’s proof that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness at work are the ones that echo the loudest.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated social media post. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
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“Leave approved. Enjoy your trip to the fullest. Don’t take unnecessary stress. We will manage in your absence. Cheers.”
That single line, simple, reassuring, and human, has since sparked conversations online about empathy in leadership and the small but powerful ways managers can make their teams feel valued.
“We’ve got your back”, but do we really?
In a thoughtful LinkedIn post, Raina reflected on what the message meant to her.“We often hear ‘We’ve got your back’ in offices, but very few teams actually live by it,” she wrote.
It wasn’t a grand gesture, she added, but the kind that leaves a lasting impression on an employee’s loyalty and morale.
Reactions: from applause to playful sarcasm
Since her post went live on 11 August, it has collected over 5,000 likes and a mix of reactions from fellow professionals.Some praised the supportive culture: “It’s inspiring to see such a leadership approach,” one user wrote.
Others responded with humour, sharing their own tales of leave approval woes:
“These are fiction, please wake up as your leave is rejected,” joked one commenter.
“Not to brag, but my manager would give me one day’s leave if I broke my leg, but only after a written mail with proof,” teased another.
Why it struck a chord
In a world of overflowing inboxes and unrelenting deadlines, this exchange reminds us that good leadership is not just about managing tasks, it’s about managing trust.Kanika’s leave wasn’t simply approved; she was told to truly enjoy it. Her boss’s message carried the unspoken assurance: “We’ve got it covered, now you go live your life.”
It’s proof that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness at work are the ones that echo the loudest.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated social media post. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
