A post by an Indian IT employee has gone viral online. It shows how some workplaces lack empathy during times of personal loss. The tech professional shared his story on Reddit. He lost his father and has been struggling with both grief and his job.
He said he took five days off when his father was in the hospital. After his father passed away, he worked from home for a week to complete rituals.
Later, he asked for one more month of remote work. He wanted to stay with his mother, who is now alone in their hometown. But the reply he got from the client manager was shocking.
“The client manager simply said, ‘Finish the rituals and please plan to proceed ahead.’ Which basically meant—get back to the office,” he wrote on Reddit.
He works in a service-based IT company and is assigned to a client. He said his request was denied without any discussion. He even tried to explain his situation over a call, but no one responded. His own manager also didn’t support him.
Now, he’s stuck between taking care of his family and doing his job. He asked Reddit users how they would handle something like this.
The post was shared on July 16 and it got over 300 upvotes and many emotional responses. Some people were shocked by the company’s cold attitude. Others said this happens often in companies where client work is the top priority.
A Redditor said, “Very sorry for your loss. As the top comment said, don’t seek permission. Just inform them you’re taking the time off. Whatever happens will happen. Your family should be your priority.”
Another user wrote, “This is inhumane. Sorry for your loss, OP. During my layoff, the email that the head of our company sent mentioned that I am taking too many leaves. The last leave I took is in February when I came to see parents. These a**holes ain’t gonna change.”
“I think WFH has become a luxury in India, better apply for leaves and carry out rituals. Then, once you’re okay, join back. Very sorry for your loss, May God give you and your family strength,” someone else added.
This post has sparked a fresh debate about India’s poor bereavement leave policies. Many feel that employee well-being should come before client delivery. People are now demanding proper guidelines for compassionate behaviour at work.