A Reddit post has gone viral after an employee alleged that his manager pressured him to work unpaid overtime and made controlling remarks about his personal life. The post has sparked widespread discussion about workplace boundaries, mental health, and employee rights.
The Allegation
The employee shared that his manager routinely asked him to work beyond his official 8-hour shift without additional pay. According to the post, the manager told him he was “too young to have a life,” implying that he should prioritize work over personal time.
Despite completing all tasks on time and meeting deadlines, the employee claims that his manager believed his performance was slipping because he refused to work extra hours for free.
Employee’s Reaction
The employee described the situation as “really exhausting.” He noted that while HR acknowledged that the manager’s behavior was wrong, they were unable to immediately transfer him or resolve the issue.
Many Reddit users reacted with support, sharing similar experiences of workplace exploitation and advising ways to set boundaries without jeopardizing their jobs.
Impact On Employees
Unpaid overtime and controlling behavior can cause stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. Young employees, in particular, may feel pressured to comply with unreasonable demands due to fear of job loss or negative performance reviews.
Workplace experts emphasize the importance of knowing your rights and communicating clearly with HR or managers about work-life balance.
Legal and Workplace Perspective
In India, labor laws require employers to pay for overtime in most cases. Continuous unpaid overtime may also violate labor regulations depending on the employment contract and company policy. Employees experiencing such behavior can report it to HR, labor authorities, or seek legal advice if necessary.
Setting clear boundaries, documenting extra work requests, and seeking support from colleagues or unions are recommended steps for dealing with difficult managers.
Conclusion
The Reddit post highlights a growing issue in workplaces where employees feel pressured to work unpaid overtime and face controlling management. While the employee’s HR acknowledged the problem, structural solutions are often slow. This incident underscores the importance of work-life balance, employee rights, and the need for supportive workplace environments.
FAQs
What did the manager allegedly say?
The manager reportedly told the employee he was “too young to have a life” while demanding unpaid overtime.
Did the employee refuse to work extra hours?
Yes, the employee completed all assigned tasks within office hours and refused to work additional unpaid hours.
How did HR respond?
HR admitted that the manager’s behavior was wrong but could not immediately transfer or resolve the issue.
Is unpaid overtime legal in India?
Overtime is generally required to be compensated as per labor laws, though exceptions depend on the contract and organization.
What can employees do in such situations?
Employees can set boundaries, document requests, discuss with HR, and seek legal or union support if necessary.