An Indian employee recently decided to quit his job after his boss denied him leave for personal reasons — and the entire conversation on WhatsApp has gone viral. The story, originally shared on Reddit, has opened a big discussion about how employees are treated when they ask for leave and the growing issue of toxic work culture in India.
Leave Denied Over ‘Personal Work’
According to the employee, he was working with a U.S.-based startup and had joined the company just a month earlier. He developed a medical condition and was advised rest by doctors. When he requested a single day’s leave for personal reasons, his boss refused to grant it — demanding to know the exact reason behind the leave.
When the employee refused to share private details, the manager denied the leave altogether. Frustrated by this, the employee decided to resign immediately, saying he could not continue under such an environment.
Screenshots of the Chat Go Viral
The employee posted screenshots of the WhatsApp chat between him and his manager. In the messages, he had politely requested a day off for personal reasons, but the boss kept insisting on an explanation. The employee then mentioned that he had only taken two days off previously, and both were national holidays.
Feeling disrespected, he decided to quit the job and even removed the manager’s access to his Google Drive, fearing non-payment for the work already done.
Boss Later Apologizes for Miscommunication
After the incident gained attention online, the boss reached out to the employee and apologized for the misunderstanding. In a follow-up WhatsApp chat, he expressed regret and said the situation was a result of poor communication.
The employee clarified that he didn’t post the screenshots to shame anyone but to highlight how important it is to set professional boundaries. He mentioned that the boss, who was not Indian, didn’t fully understand local work culture and communication styles, which caused the confusion.
Cultural Differences at the Workplace
This case also points to a larger problem — cultural differences in workplaces, especially in global startups operating in India. Many foreign managers are unaware of local professional norms and sometimes misinterpret leave requests as lack of seriousness.
The employee revealed that he had been working extra hours and even on weekends to meet deadlines. Despite that, being denied a single day off felt disrespectful to him.
Internet Reactions: ‘This Happens Everywhere’
The post received massive attention on Reddit and other social media platforms. Thousands of users commented, saying they had faced similar situations in their workplaces. Many people agreed that Indian office culture often makes employees feel guilty for taking leave, even for genuine reasons.
Users called for better understanding between employers and employees, more trust, and respect for personal boundaries. Some even praised the employee for taking a stand instead of tolerating the behavior.
Why This Story Matters
This incident isn’t just about one person — it represents the frustration of many employees who face unnecessary scrutiny over leave requests. Experts say that companies need to focus on building a more open and respectful culture, where employees can take time off without fear of being judged or labeled as “uncommitted.”
Healthy workplaces value output and results, not micromanagement or over-control. The incident serves as a reminder that professional respect is as important as performance.
Conclusion
The viral WhatsApp chat between the employee and his boss shows how a small misunderstanding can reflect a much larger issue — toxic work culture and lack of empathy at workplaces.
As India’s corporate environment evolves, it’s time companies understand that taking leave is not a privilege — it’s a basic right that helps employees stay healthy, balanced, and productive. Respecting that right can lead to happier employees and stronger organizations.
FAQs
When did this incident happen?
The incident occurred in early November, when the employee requested a day’s leave and was denied by his manager.
Why did the employee resign?
He resigned because his boss demanded personal details for a leave request and denied him leave when he refused to share them.
Did the boss apologize later?
Yes, the boss later reached out and apologized, admitting that the issue was a result of miscommunication.
What was the employee’s reason for sharing the chat?
He shared the chat to raise awareness about setting boundaries at work and to highlight unhealthy work practices.
How did people react to the post?
Thousands of users supported the employee, saying they too had faced similar treatment when requesting leave, sparking a wider conversation on toxic office culture in India.