A recent post on the subreddit Indian Workplace stirred conversation about unrealistic expectations and professional boundaries in corporate India. A software engineer shared an incident involving a senior colleague who, despite not being their manager, was furious that a routine check-in wasn’t completed by 1:00 am. The employee explained they had run the required regression framework as per protocol, but the job was queued and still pending when they last checked at 9:00 pm. Prioritizing their health and routine, the engineer decided to sleep at 10:30 pm to make it to their morning gym session.
However, the next day, the senior co-worker expressed anger, questioning why the check-in hadn’t been done and asking the employee to work harder. The engineer, confused and frustrated, sought advice from the online community, stating that their actual reporting manager had never set such expectations. They were unsure whether they should escalate the incident and asked for guidance on how to address the issue professionally.
Community Offers Candid Advice
Reddit users were quick to respond, many expressing disbelief at the entitlement shown by the senior colleague. One common suggestion was for the employee to have a clear discussion with their manager to understand the urgency of such tasks and establish clearer communication protocols. Many recommended that in future scenarios, it would be helpful to inform the relevant parties if delays occur, especially when processes like regression checks are pending for long durations. A simple message could help manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Drawing Boundaries in the Workplace
Several users emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and reminded the employee that they are accountable to their manager, not to random team members. Many also commented that managers need to define clear expectations and cannot expect employees to compromise on their personal lives for non-critical work.
One comment pointed out that even if the request had been reasonable, it was the senior’s responsibility to communicate respectfully. Another emphasized that late-night tasks should be voluntary, and no one outside a formal reporting structure should demand extended hours from a colleague.
A Larger Conversation About Work Culture
This incident not only sparked support for the individual who shared their story but also reignited broader discussions around corporate work culture, entitlement, and employee well-being. Many felt that the corporate world must evolve past toxic productivity and encourage balance and respect across all levels of hierarchy.
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