'Why did you come to work?': Employee says foreign manager told him to be with his child on first day of preschool

A video shared by an Indian professional on social media has triggered discussions about workplace empathy after he recounted how his foreign manager encouraged him to take the day off to be with his child on the first day of preschool.

The video, posted by Saurabh Verma on Instagram, drew widespread attention, with many users comparing the incident to their own experiences in the workplace.

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Manager questioned why employee logged in

In the video, Verma said he joined a work meeting slightly late because it was his child's first day at preschool. After explaining the reason for the delay, he said his manager was surprised that he had chosen to work that day.

According to Verma, the manager told him that the occasion was important and that he should spend time with his child rather than focus on work commitments.

He recalled the manager saying that his child could be anxious or scared on the first day and would benefit from having a parent present during the transition.

Comparison with workplace culture

Verma contrasted the experience with what he described as a more common attitude in many Indian workplaces.

He suggested that some managers might consider dropping a child at school sufficient and expect employees to return immediately to work responsibilities. Describing the incident as an example of a different management approach, Verma said some life events should be given greater importance than office work.

He also encouraged managers to recognise the significance of personal milestones and family commitments.

Social media users share similar experiences

The video prompted numerous reactions from users, several of whom said they had experienced similar understanding from foreign managers and clients.

Some commenters agreed that empathy and flexibility are often more visible in certain international work environments, while others said workplace attitudes vary across organisations and managers.

Users recount personal workplace challenges

Among the responses was a user who shared an experience involving a hospitalised child. The commenter alleged that their manager repeatedly asked when they would return to the office and did not permit extended work-from-home arrangements despite the circumstances.

The individual claimed to have worked from the hospital for several days without taking leave and said the manager's primary concern appeared to be monitoring online availability.

Another commenter remarked that leave is often granted only when serious illness or death involves an immediate family member, while others expressed agreement with the broader discussion about workplace empathy.

Debate highlights importance of work-life balance

The discussion has reignited conversations on employee wellbeing, managerial support and work-life balance, with many users reflecting on how organisations respond to significant personal and family events.

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