A heartfelt Reddit post by an Indian employee of a US-based multinational corporation (MNC) has triggered widespread debate online, exposing a cultural double standard in leave and work-from-home (WFH) policies. The post, which quickly gained traction, highlighted the emotional toll such disparities take on Indian employees, especially during major cultural festivals such as Diwali.
The anonymous author — a woman working at an American MNC with a hybrid work setup — shared her emotional ordeal after being denied WFH during Diwali week. “We’ve saved leaves and WFHs all year for this,” she wrote, only to be told that someone from the team had to be physically present in the office each day, leaving her no choice but to cancel her travel plans. A heated exchange with her manager reportedly ended in tears, with the issue only being “resolved” after a colleague volunteered to take her place.
The post paints a grim picture of what the user described as a “toxic work culture” where Indian employees are denied the same flexibility routinely granted to their Western counterparts. Citing instances such as spring break and Christmas holidays in the US and Europe, the user lamented the lack of similar respect for Indian cultural events. “We’re just cheap labour for them,” she wrote.
Reactions from the online community were polarised. While many users empathised with her, others pointed out systemic issues, suggesting that the root problem lies in local managerial attitudes rather than global company policy. Some shared similar stories of being praised for overworking during holidays, while a few users recounted more balanced experiences working with European clients who respected time off.
The post has sparked broader discussions around corporate empathy, inclusion, and the need for truly global HR policies that go beyond geography to reflect cultural parity. In a time when multinational companies are increasingly vocal about diversity and equity, this viral moment may serve as a critical mirror — and a call to action.