A WhatsApp chat between a Gen Z employee and his manager has gone viral on social media after the employee resigned shortly after his request for leave due to anxiety was rejected. The screenshots have started a big discussion about mental health, workplace culture, and how companies should handle employees facing personal struggles. While many people supported the employee’s decision, others felt that both the employee and the manager could have handled the situation in a better and more professional way.
According to the viral chat, the employee messaged his manager around 11:40 AM, saying he was experiencing anxiety and did not feel like getting out of bed. He requested a day’s leave, explaining that he was not in the right mental state to come to work. However, the manager rejected the request, saying it was unprofessional to inform the office after working hours had already started.
The conversation quickly became tense. Feeling disappointed with the response, the employee replied that he could no longer continue working and resigned through WhatsApp. The manager then warned that leaving without following the proper resignation process could affect the employee’s full-and-final settlement (FNF) and experience letter. The employee responded that he would not return to a workplace where he felt threatened and said he no longer cared about the settlement or experience certificate.
After the chat went viral, social media users were divided. Many people said the manager should have shown more understanding and empathy towards an employee dealing with mental health issues. Others argued that while anxiety is a serious concern, informing the manager several hours after office hours had started was also not the right way to communicate. Some users felt both sides made mistakes and that better communication could have avoided the situation.
The incident has once again brought attention to the growing discussion around mental health in workplaces. It has also raised questions about whether companies are doing enough to support employees facing emotional stress while also maintaining professional standards. As the debate continues online, the viral WhatsApp chat has become another example of how changing workplace expectations are shaping conversations between employers and the younger generation.