‘Are you able to be on the decision?’: Viral put up sparks anger over Indian managers treating grief as simply one other workday
A Reddit put up a couple of supervisor asking an worker to work throughout his bereavement go away has stirred contemporary outrage on-line, highlighting the continued considerations round poisonous managerial practices in Indian workplaces.
The nameless person recounted his expertise at a advertising company the place he had labored for 2 years. Regardless of common position reshuffling, further duties resulting from layoffs, and finances constraints, he stated he stayed dedicated as a result of he loved the work and his group.
However the tipping level got here when he knowledgeable his supervisor about his grandfather’s passing. His message learn: “Morning sir, my nana handed away final evening, gained’t be capable of come to the workplace in the present day.” Whereas the supervisor initially responded with sympathy — “So sorry to listen to that. Take the time off”—he rapidly adopted up with: “However we’re onboarding a few purchasers in the present day. Are you able to keep on the induction name?” And moments later: “Be energetic on WhatsApp as nicely and pitch in with the designers each time wanted?”
Annoyed by the dearth of empathy, the worker wrote: “Do managers neglect that we’re individuals and never simply machines churning out outcomes?”
The put up struck a nerve, racking up a whole bunch of feedback. Many customers shared related experiences or voiced assist. One commenter urged him to confront the behaviour: “In case you don’t, he’ll assume his behaviour is justifiable.” One other steered a daring exit technique: “Put the screenshot in your resignation electronic mail and mark the CEO.”
Some responses mirrored broader disillusionment with work tradition in India. “Due to this ‘Chalta hai’ and ‘Slavery’ perspective, I left India and now settled in Denmark,” wrote one person, contrasting it with more healthy boundaries in workplaces overseas.
An Indian engineering supervisor added perspective from inside the system: “When certainly one of my group member’s father handed away, I advised him to take two weeks off. I even scolded him for checking Slack on Sunday.” He emphasised that “work and purchasers can come afterwards” and that being a supervisor means shielding your group when life intervenes.
