'Please come for half day with broken leg': Reddit users share bizarre responses from Indian managers to leave requests

In a recent viral Reddit thread, Indian employees shared stories about their managers' reactions to sick leave, sparking discussions about workplace culture and its boundaries. The thread was filled with anecdotes, ranging from amusing to concerning, highlighting the disconnect between management and employees' health needs.

Viral Reddit Post Ignites Discussion on Sick Leave Culture

The discussion began when a Reddit user, under the name "pranagrapher," posed a question in a popular Indian community, asking if others had experienced managers checking on them when they took sick days. The post read: "Managers are so used to breaching boundaries and breathing down the necks of the employees. Everyone complained about Indian work culture and called it Toxic. But what Tesla is up to is just the next level of toxicity." This comment referred to reports of Tesla allegedly sending representatives to check on sick employees in Germany, which resonated with many Reddit users who shared their own experiences.

Mixed Reactions: Sad and Amusing Tales

Several users responded with stories about their own interactions with managers, many of which pointed to a lack of empathy. One user recounted a manager accusing them of faking a 102-degree fever: "My manager once accused me of faking the reading on my thermometer." Another shared a story about dislocating their kneecap on the way to work, only for their manager to insist they come to the office for a half-day shift.


One of the more concerning stories came from a user whose manager, suspecting them of lying about being sick on a Monday, visited their home to verify the illness. "The lead was helpless as the manager was pressuring him to come along too," the user shared, noting that the situation escalated to a complaint with HR.

Invasive and Insensitive Requests

A number of posts highlighted how some managers failed to respect personal boundaries. One user shared how their manager questioned the validity of menstrual pain and asked if the employee could postpone their menstrual leave. Another recounted an incident where a manager requested them to work during an endoscopy procedure, showing a complete disregard for the employee's wellbeing.

These stories not only reflect the challenges faced by employees in managing personal health and workplace expectations but also shed light on the broader issue of workplace culture in India.

A Call for Change

As the Reddit thread continues to gain traction, it underscores the need for a more compassionate approach from employers. Employees are calling for a shift in how sick leave is handled, with a focus on trust and respect for personal health.

This conversation around workplace culture, ignited by a viral post, has opened up a larger debate on how Indian managers approach employee wellbeing, particularly during times of illness.