'Headache me chutti nhi milti, school me nhi ho': Manager denies sick leave to employee, WhatsApp chat goes viral

A WhatsApp conversation between an Indian employee and his manager has gone viral after the worker’s request for leave due to a headache was repeatedly denied. The post, titled “My manager when I ask for a leave”, was shared on Reddit, where users criticised the manager’s response.

Manager refuses leave request

In the viral screenshot, the employee informed the manager about his headache and sought leave. The manager, however, insisted he report to work. “Take the medicine and come. It's nothing, it will get better. It's just a headache,” the manager wrote. The employee responded: “I'll take a Dolo and see from there.”

When the worker later said he could not come as the headache continued, the manager replied: “Take the medicine hero. You don't get leave for a headache. What are you talking about? You are not in school any more.” The manager further added: “You're part of the company now. Take some rest if needed, but come to the office.”

Viral screenshot sparks debate

The post quickly spread across Reddit and other social media platforms. Many users expressed support for the employee and criticised the manager’s stance. “That is so horrible. You are entitled for a sick leave, just apply for one,” wrote one user.

Another said: “Always remember they won't think twice before replacing you, never give your 100 per cent.”

“Buddy, don't go to the office stand your ground, you let don't let another human cross your boundaries,” commented another.

A fourth user advised: “Make note of each and every instance with proofs, testimony, mails, voice recordings, messages like these (make sure to delete his contact from phone so that his phone no is visible). When the time is right, hit them with all this incriminating evidence.”

Earlier this week, another viral Reddit post surfaced where a tech employee claimed he was terminated from a startup during the Durga Puja festival. The worker alleged that he was fired even after securing proper approval for leave.