An employee received a shock when his manager responded to a request for leave due to hospitalization callously. Taking to the subreddit Indian Workplace, the employee shared a WhatsApp chat between him and his manager. In the chat, the employee requested leave, as he had been admitted to a hospital due to vomiting and shortness of breath and diagnosed with a chest infection.

Instead of displaying empathy, the manager chided him for not updating him about his health the day before or at least three hours prior to the shift. He was also asked to submit a hospital admission report, doctor’s prescription, and the discharge date.

Redditors React

Online users expressed outrage over the unprofessional and dismissive conduct of the manager. Many felt that such behaviour amounted to outright harassment and called for serious action. Some advised that if the issue occurred in a multinational corporation, it should be escalated to higher authorities and reported to human resources, while in smaller firms, resignation might be a better option.

Commentators highlighted how disturbing it is to dedicate long hours of hard work only to face such treatment, questioning the very purpose of working under a toxic environment. Several argued that managerial roles are too often handed out without proper assessment, leading to individuals who lack basic empathy, professionalism, and leadership qualities. Instead of fostering healthy workplaces, such managers disrupt teams, create confusion, and negatively impact lives. According to netizens, a true leader must be rational, fair-minded, emotionally intelligent, innovative, and genuinely committed to building a positive environment. Without these qualities, appointing incapable individuals devalues the role and undermines workplace standards.

Some also stressed the importance of distinguishing between a shift supervisor and a manager, noting that responsibility and authority differ. If the person in question is merely a supervisor, employees should raise the concern with the actual manager to ensure accountability.

The frustration was palpable, with many suggesting that there should be legal avenues to act against companies that retain managers who behave abusively. Others pointed out that while management may face its own pressures, there is no excuse for disregarding employee health and well-being.

Practical advice included raising formal complaints through HR portals, documenting evidence, and ensuring higher management is kept in the loop. By creating a record, employees can protect themselves against retaliation and ensure their concerns are addressed seriously, particularly within multinational corporations.