Boss demands 7-day notice for sick leave, internet can't believe it

An Indian worker has ignited a firestorm online after sharing a screenshot of a bizarre exchange with his boss. The manager demanded a seven-day notice for any sick or casual leave, a rule that has left people baffled and amused in equal measure.

The employee’s Reddit post, which has since gone viral, details the incredulous conversation. The employee had informed his boss, “My health is not well, so I won’t be coming to the office.”


In response, the manager asked if he was planning to take sick leave. Upon receiving confirmation, the boss dropped a bombshell: “To take sick leave or casual leave, you need to inform at least 7 days prior.”

The employee's baffled response, "How to know if I am going to be sick in next 7 days?" perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation.


The internet erupted with reactions, ranging from disbelief to humor. One user suggested a daily email to the boss stating a potential sickness in seven days, while another proposed a "malicious compliance" tactic of submitting a preemptive sick leave notice every Monday.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about unreasonable workplace policies. Many shared their own experiences with inflexible rules, highlighting the importance of humane work environments. As one commenter pointed out, “I used to work in a supermarket. I fell down a flight of stairs and had a minor concussion. I called in sick and got told I needed to come in anyway because calling in sick must happen before 8 am.”

The viral post is a stark reminder that not all workplaces operate with common sense. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: predicting illness a week in advance is not a skill most people possess.