‘You’re not in school’: Manager’s WhatsApp chat with employee over sick leave goes viral

A WhatsApp conversation between an Indian manager and an employee regarding a sick leave request has gained significant attention online. The employee informed the manager that he was experiencing a headache and might not be able to attend work. In response, the manager insisted that he report to the office, stating, “Take the medicine and come. It’s nothing, it will get better.” Even after the employee expressed continued discomfort, the manager reiterated that a headache was not a valid reason for leave, saying, “You don’t get leave for a headache. What are you talking about? You are not in school anymore.” The manager further emphasized that while the employee could rest if necessary, he still expected him to come to work.

This exchange was initially shared on Reddit under the title “My manager when I ask for a leave,” and quickly sparked discussions about workplace culture, employee well-being, and the need for employers to be more compassionate towards their staff. Many commenters highlighted the importance of prioritizing health and advocated for healthier employer-employee boundaries.