A simple leave request has turned into a massive debate on work culture in India. An employee who lost his grandfather shared a WhatsApp screenshot of his conversation with his manager, and the manager’s reply has shocked thousands online. The message, posted on Reddit, has now gone viral across platforms, raising questions about how workplaces treat employees during emotional crises.
A Morning of Grief Turns Into a Workload Reminder
According to the employee, his grandfather passed away the previous night. The next morning, he informed his manager that he would not be able to come to work.
However, the reply he received started with sympathy but quickly shifted to instructions.
The manager told him to “take the day off” but also asked him to stay active for an induction call, respond on WhatsApp, and assist the design team whenever needed.
For many internet users, this message reflected the larger issue of lack of empathy in corporate spaces.
Why the Screenshot Went Viral
The WhatsApp chat was posted on Reddit’s r/IndianWorkplace, where thousands of users reacted with anger, sadness, and frustration.
Many said they had faced similar situations—where personal loss was treated like a minor inconvenience rather than a moment of emotional pain.
The post quickly gained massive traction because:
- It showed an insensitive shift from condolences to work demands
- Users related it to their own experiences
- It exposed the pressure of “always being available” in modern workplaces
- It highlighted burnout, unreasonable workloads, and lack of support
What People Online Are Saying
Reddit users, Twitter/X users, and LinkedIn commenters all shared their opinions.
Some major reactions included:
- Employees calling it an example of “toxic work culture”
- Users sharing their own stories of working during family deaths
- Discussions about why Indian workplaces often overlook mental health
- Questions about why companies have no backup plan for urgent tasks
- Many pointed out that taking one day to mourn a close family member is a basic human need, not a privilege.
A Larger Problem: Lack of Compassion in Indian Offices
Work culture experts say this incident is not isolated.
In many Indian companies, employees feel pressured to be available even during emergencies.
Some reasons include:
- Small teams handling large workloads
- Managers untrained in emotional sensitivity
- Fear of being judged for taking leave
- Lack of HR policies for bereavement support
Surveys in recent years show that a large percentage of employees hesitate to share personal problems because they fear being seen as “less committed.”
What This Incident Teaches Us
This viral post has sparked conversations about employee well-being.
It reminds companies that:
- Grief needs space
- People are not machines
- Managers need better training in empathy
- Work should never override human emotions
Many believe this conversation could push organizations to adopt more supportive policies.
Conclusion
The viral leave request has become a symbol of the everyday struggles faced by thousands of Indian employees. While the employee was dealing with the loss of his grandfather, the response he received showed how far workplaces still have to go in understanding humanity. This incident is more than a screenshot—it is a reminder that compassion should never take a backseat at work.
FAQs
What exactly happened in this viral case?
An employee requested leave after his grandfather passed away, but his manager told him to stay available for work tasks despite granting the day off.
Why did people react so strongly online?
Many felt the manager’s reply lacked empathy and reflected the pressure many workers face in India.
Is this a common issue in Indian workplaces?
Yes, many employees report similar experiences where personal emergencies are not taken seriously.
What can companies do to improve?
They can introduce clear bereavement leave, train managers in emotional handling, and create a culture where employees feel safe to take time off.
Did the employee respond later?
According to the post, he decided not to reply anymore and instead shared his frustration online.