A pregnant employee working in a public sector bank recently shared her difficult experience on Reddit. She revealed that her manager’s behaviour caused her severe emotional and physical stress during pregnancy. According to her post, the manager repeatedly denied her leave requests and ignored her personal well-being, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and sometimes breaking down at work.
The employee is currently 28 weeks pregnant and said her first trimester was especially challenging. She mentioned working even while having high fever and viral infections, as she was the only staff available at her branch.
Manager Ignored Leave Requests and Personal Boundaries
The Reddit user shared screenshots showing that her manager consistently denied her leave requests despite her health issues related to pregnancy. She also explained that she faced mental harassment, overwork, and strict micromanagement from her boss.
“She made me stay late, skipped lunch breaks, and even received calls at night about work issues,” she wrote. “I was mentally and physically exhausted, and my pregnancy was becoming tougher each day.”
Concerns About Shady Practices
Apart from the toxic behaviour, the employee reported noticing suspicious actions by her manager regarding loan approvals. She discreetly informed higher authorities about these issues. According to her, this might have led to further harassment from the manager.
Social Media Reacts Strongly
The post quickly went viral on Reddit, with many users expressing outrage and offering advice. Social media users recommended escalating the matter to HR and higher management. Some also highlighted that such toxic work culture is unfortunately common in public sector banks.
One user commented, “Where is HR? This behaviour is unacceptable and must be reported to proper authorities.” Another wrote, “The use of formal ‘sir’ calls in workplaces often hides real accountability. People should be treated respectfully, especially pregnant employees.”
Why Such Workplaces Are Stressful
Public sector banks, though considered stable jobs, sometimes have rigid hierarchical systems. Employees often face strict deadlines, excessive workload, and little support, which can severely affect those with health conditions or special needs. In pregnancy, ignoring employee welfare can result in serious mental and physical health consequences.
Expert Opinion on Employee Rights
Experts recommend that employees facing harassment or inhumane treatment should immediately report the matter to HR or higher authorities. Pregnant women have legal protections at workplaces under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which ensures adequate leave and safe working conditions. Ignoring these rights can lead to legal action against the employer.
Conclusion
The experience shared by the pregnant bank employee highlights the need for better workplace awareness and stricter enforcement of employee rights. Toxic managers can cause long-term mental and physical stress, especially for vulnerable employees like pregnant women. It is important for organizations to maintain a supportive and humane work environment and ensure compliance with legal protections.
FAQs
What should a pregnant employee do if facing harassment at work?
A pregnant employee should document all incidents, maintain records of messages and emails, and report the matter to HR or higher authorities. Legal advice can also be sought if necessary.
Are pregnant employees legally protected in India?
Yes, under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, pregnant women are entitled to maternity leave, safe working conditions, and protection from harassment at work.
Can managers deny leave to pregnant employees?
No, denying leave without valid reasons violates labour laws and maternity rights. Employees can escalate the issue to HR or labour authorities.
What are the signs of a toxic workplace?
Signs include excessive micromanagement, denial of legitimate leave, harassment, overburdening employees, mental stress, and lack of support from management.
How can banks improve workplace conditions for pregnant employees?
Banks can implement clear HR policies, provide flexible work options, ensure workload management, and train managers to be sensitive to employee needs, especially for pregnant staff.